Jew, Purple Queen

Tradescantia pallida is a tender perennial that is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. In St. Louis it is grown in the garden as an annual, in containers and as a year round houseplant. In the garden, it is easily grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best purple leaf color occurs in full sun. Plants have good drought tolerance. Shelter plants from strong winds that may break the somewhat fragile stems. Remove flower stems immediately after bloom. Pinch back stems as needed to maintain plant shape and to stimulate new growth. This plant is easily propagated by cuttings (seed is not available). Cuttings may be overwintered for use the following year. Container plants may be cut back and brought indoors for overwintering. Nurseries often sell inexpensive starter plants in spring. Plants do not like temperatures below 50F, and if they are to be brought indoors in fall, it should be well in advance of frost.