Purple Heart Wandering Jew (Tradescantia pallida)

Photo by Gayla Trail  All Rights Reserved

This stuff is used as a ground cover everywhere in Austin, Texas. I’m sure southerners are completely sick of it, but it was a treat for this northern gardener who is only used to seeing it growing indoors in a pot. Mind you, I’d never waste precious window space on it myself, but can absolutely appreciate the look when it is left outdoors to wander and spread.

Gayla Trail
Gayla is a writer, photographer, and former graphic designer with a background in the Fine Arts, cultural criticism, and ecology. She is the author, photographer, and designer of best-selling books on gardening, cooking, and preserving.

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3 thoughts on “Purple Heart Wandering Jew (Tradescantia pallida)

  1. My grandmother had one of these that she kept in her sunroom. She never seemed to have to do much to it. I, on the other hand, either didn’t do enough or loved it too much.

  2. I’m a Texan and I absolutely love the stuff! It would be wandering all over my yard if I didn’t rent my yard. One day a yard will be mine and purple jew will wander beautifully and freely. I’m glad you appreciate it!

  3. This looks like the houseplant my mother calls “Moses in a boat” due to the way it flowers ~ small white flowers in a pod or “boat” at the base of the leaves. I’ve seen this growing free in Florida as well.

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