The Tradescantia, also known as the three-master flower, is a very easy-care plant that is represented in many species. They differ in size, flower colors, leaf colors and growth habit. Almost all varieties can be grown in the perennial garden, some are also cultivated as houseplants.
What types of Tradescantia are there?
The Tradescantia species are characterized by attractive leaf coloring and flowers in different colors. Well-known species include T. albiflora, T. pallida, T. zebrina and T. sillamontana. They are easy-care houseplants or perennials that thrive optimally in a bright location.
Versatile plant for the perennial garden
The Tradescantia is characterized by the fact that it is very easy to care for. You can't go wrong when you care for a three-master flower in the garden.
In many species, the shoots hang down long and can be up to 40 centimeters long. Some, on the other hand, grow herbaceous or upright.
Tradescantia pallida is particularly common and provides long-lasting color in the garden with its violet flowers.
Leaves and flowers in many colors
Some species of Tradescantia are only grown for their leaves because they often do not bloom at all or only bloom very little. The leaves are usually pointed. They can be colored light or dark green depending on the species. The leaves are very decorative if the underside is dark red. The leaves of many varieties are multi-colored, so some of them are also called zebra plants.
In older plants that are grown as houseplants, the lower leaves fall off after a while. This is normal occurrence and no cause for concern.
The flowers can be white, blue or pink depending on the species. They only open for one day at a time and then die.
Known species of Tradescantia
| Name | leaves | Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Tradescantia albiflora | solid green | white |
| Alba vittata | white-green stripes | white |
| Aurea | yellow | white |
| Tricolor | white-light green stripes | rarely blooms |
| Tradescantia blossfeldiana | olive above, dark red below | pink above, white below |
| Tradescantia blossfeldiana Variegata | green or white stripes | rarely blooms |
| Tradescantia fluminensis | plain or striped | white |
| Tradescantia navicularis | green above, crimson red below | light pink |
| Tradescantia sillamontana | green | purplepink |
| Tradescantia pallida | green, red | blue |
| Tradescantia zebrina | variegated | white |
Tip
The Tradescantia only develops its strong colors in a suitable location. Above all, it needs a lot of light and should therefore be kept as sunny as possible. Most varieties are hardy and can therefore be maintained in the garden all year round.
