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Setcreasea,
Purple
Heart,
Purple
Queen
Tradescantia pallida
(Rose) D. R. Hunt
trad-eh-SCANT-ee-ah PAL-eh-deh
Commelinaceae
Explanation
of name:
Generic name for British gardener John Tradescant, died about 1638 (BA1).
Pallida means pale, pallid.
Synonyms
(WU1): Setcreasea pallida Rose, S. purpurea Boom
Natural
range:
Mexico, escaped in Florida (WU1)
Recognition:
Very common rhizomatous groundcover with deep purple (‘Purpurea’),
semi-succulent foliage. Flowers (as in all Commelinaceae) in boat-shaped
bract-envelope
Landscape
uses:
A favorite old groundcover providing thick coverage if adequately maintained
(coverage sparse if poorly maintained), drought-tolerant but some water needed
for thick, full coverage. Escapes cultivation and thus not recommended. Sap from
Commelinaceae tends to irritate the skin.
|
Botanical |
English |
FL native |
Growth form
|
Flowering season
|
Typical dimensions
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Suggested spacing |
Cultural conditions
|
Problems |
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Tradescantia pallida |
Setcreasea, Purple Queen |
Exotic, escaped |
Ground Cover |
SP-FA (WU1) |
To about 1’ tall, covering the ground |
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SU
ME
(DT but not for best appearance)
WI
AT
ST
(PBCC) |
Escaped (WU1)
Probable skin irritant |
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