Tradescantia pallida, also known as purpurina or man’s love, is a plant that we commonly use in our outdoor vertical gardening projects.
Would you like to know more about this plant in vertical gardens? In this article we tell you about it:
We find it particularly useful for its hardiness and for its attractive deep purple colour, which adds dynamism and contrast to any design.
In our experience, we have found that this plant attracts attention both for its leaves and its flowering, although the small pink flowers often go unnoticed in front of the visual impact of its leaves.
Care of the Tradescantia pallida
To ensure that Tradescantia pallida is kept in the best conditions, it is essential to provide it with the right environment.
In our vertical gardens, we place it in areas with sufficient light.
The plant adapts well to full sun, and can also survive in semi-shade.
However, we have found that in areas with too much shade, the internodes tend to elongate in search of light, which affects its compact and attractive appearance.
Light conditions: Full sun and semi-shade
Whenever we work with this plant, we make sure that it receives sufficient sunlight.
In semi-shady situations, its growth is more restrained, but if it receives less light, its structure changes and it becomes more ungainly, losing its ornamental value. To optimise its appearance, we place it in areas with plenty of direct sunlight.
Watering and suitable substrate
As far as watering is concerned, this plant does not require excessive maintenance.
In our projects we have found that it withstands short periods of drought well, although we always try to keep the substrate slightly moist.
It has performed particularly well in well-drained substrates, avoiding waterlogging, which can damage the roots.
Maintenance and annual pruning
Tradescantia pallida grows quickly and tends to spread.
Therefore, we prune it annually, usually in winter, to control its spread. We have found that this pruning helps to keep it looking compact and healthy.
If we let the stems get too long, the plant will try to reproduce by layering, which can result in an unkempt appearance. We make sure to remove excess plant material, which encourages vigorous growth in the spring.
Uses in Vertical Gardening
One of the strengths of Tradescantia pallida is its adaptability in vertical gardens. We have installed this plant in large-scale projects, such as this 200 m² project in Alicante, where it has become one of our favourites due to its ability to quickly cover large areas.
Adaptability to the outdoor vertical garden
In our experience, this plant performs exceptionally well outdoors.
It withstands both sun and high temperatures well, although we have noticed that, in extreme heat waves, new shoots can get slightly burnt. Despite this minor damage, the plant recovers without problems.
Combinations with other plants (Lavender and Chlorophytum)
We like to combine Tradescantia pallida with other species.
In some of our gardens, we have paired it with lavender, which creates a very interesting mix of textures and colours. In addition, we also use it with chlorophytum, where the contrast between the purple of the Tradescantia and the green-white of the chlorophytum creates an attractive visual effect.
Propagation of Tradescantia pallida
One of the most appreciated characteristics of this plant is its ease of propagation, which makes it an efficient choice for large-scale gardening projects.
Reproduction by layering
Tradescantia pallida has the ability to reproduce by layering. We have observed that when a stem touches the ground, it generates new roots and plants. This facilitates its expansion in the vertical garden.
We control this growth with strategic pruning to prevent it from becoming invasive.
Care to avoid elongation of internodes
When we install this plant in areas with less light, we have noticed that the internodes tend to elongate, affecting its compact appearance.
For this reason, we always prefer to work with it in sunny areas, where it maintains a balanced and aesthetically pleasing growth.
Resistance and Common Problems
One of the main reasons we continue to choose Tradescantia pallida for our projects is its incredible hardiness. This plant is practically immortal, and in our vertical gardens we have found that it is rarely affected by pests or diseases.
Tolerance to pests and adverse conditions
We have worked with this plant in a variety of conditions, from coastal areas to drier climates, and its resistance to pests is amazing. We have also found that it copes well with periods of irregular watering and temperature extremes, making it one of the most reliable plants we use.
Heat damage and recovery tips
During heat waves, we have observed that the tips of the shoots can suffer from burns. However, this does not significantly affect the plant.
We recommend cutting off the damaged parts to encourage healthy new growth.
Thanks to its hardiness, Tradescantia pallida quickly regains its leafy appearance.
