How to Grow Purple Heart
Wikimedia Commons
Purple Heart
Tradescantia pallida
shrubPurple Heart is a tropical ornamental shrub prized for its vibrant purple foliage that deepens with sun exposure. Native to Mexico, it features lance-shaped leaves and delicate pink or purple flowers. It's commonly grown as a houseplant or outdoor specimen in warm climates.
When should you plant Purple Heart in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Purple Heart timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Purple Heart
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Purple Heart
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Heart dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; can be grown as a tender annual or houseplant in cooler zones
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Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plant focuses on root development and vegetative growth with emerging purple-tinged leaves
Keep soil consistently moist, provide bright indirect light initially, protect from temperature fluctuations below 50°F
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops dense foliage with increasingly deep purple coloration as it matures; stems become woody
Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth, gradually increase sun exposure for deeper color, fertilize bi-weekly with balanced fertilizer
Flowering
6-12 weeks or ongoing in warm climatesSmall delicate pink or light purple flowers appear along stems; foliage remains the primary ornamental feature
Flowers are non-essential; deadhead or leave for natural seed production, maintain regular watering and feeding schedule
Mature Plant
Months to yearsWell-established shrub with full purple foliage and continuous flowering; can reach 2-4 feet tall if not pruned
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness, continue feeding during growing season, reduce water and fertilizer in winter dormancy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity; remove affected leaves
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Wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with neem oil; isolate infested plants
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Remove manually with soft brush; apply horticultural oil; use insecticidal soap
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Uses
Ornamental Foliage
HouseholdPurple Heart's vibrant purple-tinged leaves provide year-round color in gardens, containers, and interior spaces. The intensity of the purple deepens with increased sunlight exposure, making it a dynamic design element. [source]
Cut Flowers and Arrangements
CraftBoth the foliage and delicate flowers are suitable for cutting and used in floral arrangements. Purple Heart stems add color contrast and vertical interest to mixed bouquets. [source]
Culinary Garnish
CulinarySome cultures use purple heart leaves as an edible garnish for dishes, though it is primarily ornamental. The leaves are safe to consume and add visual appeal to plates. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional Mexican and Central American medicine, Tradescantia pallida has been used to support various health practices. Scientific validation of medicinal properties is limited. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe delicate flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, providing nectar sources in garden settings. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Purple Heart is grown for foliage and flowers rather than harvest in the traditional sense. Prune stems year-round to encourage bushy growth and remove any leggy growth. Pinch back growing tips regularly. Can be cut for floral arrangements; stems will resprout from cut points.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Heart's intense purple coloration is produced by anthocyanin pigments, which deepen with increased sunlight and cooler temperatures—the same compounds responsible for the color in blueberries and red wine.
- 🌱 Native to Mexico, this plant is sometimes called 'Wandering Jew' (though this name is becoming outdated) because of its trailing growth habit and ability to propagate easily from stem cuttings.
- 🌱 Purple Heart can be grown as a tender annual in cool climates, treated much like impatiens or begonias, and is often discarded after frost, though it can be brought indoors as a houseplant to overwinter.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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