How to Grow Purple Queen
iNaturalist
Purple Queen
Tradescantia pallida
shrubPurple Queen is a vibrant ornamental shrub known for its striking deep purple foliage that intensifies in bright light. This tender perennial grows quickly and is prized for its rich color, elegant lance-shaped leaves, and delicate pink or purple flowers. It's popular in tropical and subtropical gardens, as well as in containers and indoor settings.
When should you plant Purple Queen 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 Queen timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Purple Queen
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Purple Queen
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Purple Queen dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10-11; can be grown as an annual or houseplant in cooler regions
Sign up free to see if Purple Queen grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Purple Queen timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny emerging plants with first true leaves appearing; foliage may show lighter purple or green initially
Keep soil moist but not soggy; provide bright, indirect light; maintain 70-75°F temperature
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid leaf development with stems becoming woody; purple color intensifies with increased light exposure
Increase light gradually; pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier form; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer
Established Plant
Ongoing, 2-3 months+Mature shrub with full, dense foliage and characteristic deep purple coloring throughout stems and leaves
Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness; reduce fertilizer frequency to monthly; ensure good air circulation
Flowering
Throughout growing season, intermittentDelicate small pink, purple, or lavender flowers appear in clusters along the stems
Continue regular watering and feeding; flowers are non-showy but add subtle interest; deadheading not necessary
Dormancy/Winter
3-4 months (seasonal)Growth slows significantly; color may fade slightly if temperatures drop below 50°F
Reduce watering and fertilizing; move indoors in cold climates; provide bright light; maintain temperatures above 50°F if possible
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil; isolate affected plants
-
Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; apply insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
-
Spray with strong water stream; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects
-
Manually remove or scrape off; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Uses
Ornamental landscaping and container gardening
CraftPurple Queen's vibrant deep purple foliage makes it an excellent choice for tropical and subtropical landscapes, mixed containers, and bedding displays. Its bold color creates striking visual interest and contrasts beautifully with green or lighter-colored companion plants. [source]
Indoor houseplant and air purification
HouseholdPurple Queen thrives as a houseplant in bright indoor locations, adding tropical flair to living spaces. Like many plants, it contributes to improved indoor air quality while serving as an attractive decorative element. [source]
Floral arrangements and cut foliage
CraftThe striking purple stems and leaves make excellent additions to fresh floral arrangements and foliage bouquets. The stems last well when cut and add dramatic color and texture to mixed arrangements. [source]
Garden color and pollinator support
WildlifeWhile primarily grown for foliage, the delicate flowers attract small pollinators and beneficial insects to gardens. The plant adds visual structure and color that enhances overall garden aesthetics and biodiversity. [source]
Harvest Tips
Purple Queen is ornamental and not harvested for food. Prune stems regularly (every 4-6 weeks) to maintain shape and promote bushier growth. Harvest stem cuttings any time for propagation; cuttings root easily in water or moist soil.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Purple Queen's intense color comes from anthocyanin pigments, which increase in production when the plant receives more sunlight—keeping it in full sun creates the deepest purple hues.
- 🌱 This plant is sometimes called 'Wandering Jew' or 'Spiderwort' and is native to Mexico, where it grows as a more tender perennial in warm climates.
- 🌱 Purple Queen propagates extremely easily from stem cuttings; a single cutting placed in water will develop roots within 7-10 days, making it ideal for sharing with other gardeners.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Purple Queen planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Purple Queen seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Purple Queen timeline →