Purple Heart Flower
Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea'
Purple heart produces delicate three-petaled pink flowers amid striking deep purple foliage. Native to Mexico, this hardy plant symbolizes resilience, beauty in simplicity, and the enduring power of nature.
Commelinaceae (Spiderwort family)
Mid-summer through fall, with sporadic blooms year-round in warm climates
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: lantanas and tradescantias also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Purple heart has gained recognition beyond its ornamental value for its remarkable ability to survive adverse conditions and purify air and soil. The cultivar 'Purpurea' has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Its deep purple coloration, rare in foliage plants, makes it a favorite for creating dramatic color contrasts in landscapes.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best purple color; tolerates partial shade (foliage greener in shade)
Water
Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established but also tolerates frequent watering
Soil
Well-drained, Average to poor, Tolerates various soil types, Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in full sun for deepest purple foliage color
Pinch back stems to promote bushier growth
Hardy in zones 10-11; grow as annual or bring indoors in colder zones
Propagates easily from stem cuttings placed in soil or water
Trim back after flowering to maintain compact form
Tolerates neglect, drought, and poor soil
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Ground cover for erosion control
- Container gardens and hanging baskets
- Border edging and mass plantings
- Color contrast in mixed plantings
- Indoor houseplant in bright locations
Traditional Uses
- Used in phytoremediation to remove heavy metals from soil
- Effective at filtering volatile organic compounds from indoor air
- Leaves may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals
- Used in environmental monitoring and pollution assessment
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Purple Heart Flower
is purple heart a perennial
Yes, purple heart is a perennial in USDA zones 10-11. In colder zones, it's typically grown as an annual or brought indoors for winter.
why is my purple heart turning green
Purple heart foliage turns green when grown in too much shade. The plant needs full sun (6+ hours daily) to develop and maintain its deep purple color.
is purple heart toxic to cats and dogs
Purple heart can cause mild mouth and stomach irritation if ingested by pets, though it's not highly toxic. The sap may also cause skin irritation in some animals.
how do you propagate purple heart
Purple heart is extremely easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem section with a node, place it in soil or water, and roots will develop within 1-2 weeks.
does purple heart need a lot of water
No, purple heart is drought-tolerant once established and thrives on neglect. However, it also tolerates frequent watering, making it very adaptable.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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