White Flower Farm
Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Queen'
Best low-maintenance groundcover for vibrant, sun-loving garden displays.
The Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Queen' is celebrated for its handsome, gleaming deep purple foliage that provides striking contrast in any setting. This tender species sends out leafy stems that readily root where they touch the ground, quickly forming a lush mat, making it excellent for containers, beds, or window boxes. While it produces small, tri-colored pink blooms in late summer through fall, its main appeal is its distinctive color and form. It thrives best in full sun for maximum growth and color saturation. This vigorous plant is considered easy to care for and is shipped in a 1-pint pot ready for planting.
$12.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
832
/ 2996
#832 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-57%
Below average
Hardiness Zone
Annual
/ Annual
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, low-maintenance color year-round
- Novice plant owners needing a resilient, drought-tolerant variety
- Creative landscapers wanting fast-growing ground cover or container fillers
Who should skip it
- Busy homeowners wanting a low-maintenance, hands-off plant
- Indoor gardeners with limited access to bright, direct sunlight
- Individuals with sensitive skin prone to contact dermatitis
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep purple foliage provides a dramatic, high-contrast anchor for any garden.
Growth Vigor
Rapidly spreads and roots to create a lush, full groundcover.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal effort beyond basic sun exposure and occasional trimming.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to containers, window boxes, or direct garden beds.
Propagation Potential
Simple stem cuttings root effortlessly for easy expansion of your collection.
Bloom Consistency
Delicate pink flowers appear seasonally but remain secondary to foliage appeal.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zone
Annual
Exposure
Sun
Blooms In
Aug-Oct
Mature Height
12-18 inches
Spacing
18 inches
Ships as
1 PINT (28.86 CU IN.)
Features
- Spreads readily by rooting stems where they touch the ground.
- Versatile for use in containers, garden beds, and window boxes.
- Produces small, tri-colored pink flowers throughout late summer and fall.
- Can be cut back midsummer to encourage fresh growth and potential rebloom.
- Roots easily from broken succulent stem pieces.
- Guaranteed to ship in prime condition for growing.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the 'Purple Queen' upon delivery, noting its robust health and impressive size. The primary draw is the plant's stunning, vibrant purple coloration, which provides immediate visual impact and exceeds expectations. Reviewers frequently highlight its vigorous growth and resilience, confirming its status as a high value, low maintenance addition to any garden setting.
Know before you buy
Yes, this plant thrives best in full sun. While it can tolerate partial shade, direct sunlight is essential for achieving the most intense, deep purple saturation in its foliage.
The plant spreads by sending out leafy stems that root wherever they touch the soil. This makes it an excellent choice for quickly filling in garden beds or creating a lush, ground-covering mat.
Absolutely. You can cut the stems back in midsummer to encourage a bushier habit and fresh growth. This practice can also help stimulate potential reblooming later in the season.
This species is treated as an annual in most climates. Because it is a tender plant, it will not survive freezing temperatures and should be replanted or brought indoors if you live in a region with cold winters.
It is quite simple to propagate. The stems are succulent-like and will root easily from broken pieces, allowing you to expand your collection or fill in gaps in your containers with minimal effort.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$12