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Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew)

Tradescantia zebrina Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Tradescantia zebrina trad-es-KAN-tee-ah zeb-REE-nah Common Name: Wandering Jew Genus: Tradescantia
This trailing perennial is grown for its foliage. Fleshy leaves have two silvery stripes and purple undersides. Flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year. Wandering Jew, a common houseplant, is native to Southern Mexico.
Care: Provide full sun or part shade and moist, fertile soil.
Propagation: Root cuttings in water.
Problems: Viruses, aphids, spider mites.
Height 6 in. to 12 in.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Suitable as Annual
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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