wandering dude
Tradescantia zebrina
USDA zones8 to 12
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Creeping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Lavender-purple
- Foliage color
- Purple and silver striped
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Wandering dude (Tradescantia zebrina) is a perennial for containers, ground cover, shade gardens, and accents. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. It grows fast and creeps along the ground, so give it room to spread. The evergreen leaves are striped purple and silver, and small lavender-purple flowers appear through the year.
Pairs well with Blue Angel hosta, Mondo grass, and False shamrock.
Native range
Southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras.