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tradescantia varieties

Tradescantia varieties are beloved for their vibrant foliage, hardiness, and the versatility they bring to gardens and indoor spaces across New Zealand. Whether you’re a seasoned houseplant collector or a new gardener, tradescantia (commonly known as wandering Jew, inch plant, or spiderwort) offers a world of options. With trailing stems perfect for hanging baskets, lush ground covers, and even upright perennials with showy blooms, tradescantia fits beautifully into many plant collections and garden designs.

Tradescantia pallida purpurea growing from a pot with trailing purple foliage.

Tradescantia pallida

Tradescantia pallida is a striking foliage plant valued for its rich purple trailing stems and narrow pointed leaves. This hardy and fast growing plant performs very well in New Zealand as a groundcover, container plant, or indoor feature. It is ideal for gardeners wanting bold colour with minimal maintenance. Tradescantia pallida adds contrast, texture, and year round interest to borders, hanging baskets, patios, and interior spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Tradescantia blossfeldiana plant with pink, white, and green variegated foliage.

Tradescantia blossfeldiana

Tradescantia blossfeldiana is an attractive trailing foliage plant valued for its soft green leaves with rich purple undersides and vigorous growth habit. This adaptable plant performs very well in New Zealand as an indoor plant, container feature, or groundcover in warm sheltered gardens. It is ideal for gardeners wanting reliable colour contrast with minimal maintenance. Tradescantia blossfeldiana adds texture, movement, and year round interest to hanging baskets, patios, borders, and interior spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Tradescantia pallida

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Popular Tradescantia Varieties for Kiwi Gardens

Tradescantia is a diverse genus, offering everything from bold variegated leaves to unique blooms. Here are some of the most sought-after tradescantia varieties, each with its own charm and growing habit:

Tradescantia 'Blue and Gold'

A real standout among indoor plants, Tradescantia 'Blue and Gold' brightens up shady spots with its striking blue-green leaves edged in gold. This easy-care variety thrives in indirect light and brings stunning colour to hanging planters and tabletops.

Tradescantia sillamontana

For something a bit different, Tradescantia sillamontana features thick stems and leaves covered in silvery hairs, lending it a fuzzy, almost otherworldly appearance. It’s drought-tolerant, making it perfect for low-maintenance indoor plant collections or dry garden beds.

Tradescantia albiflora 'Albo-Vittata'

If you’re after striking foliage, Tradescantia albiflora 'Albo-Vittata' is a wonderful choice. This variety sports crisp, creamy stripes along its lush green leaves. It’s especially popular as a trailing indoor plant and wonderful for brightening up shelves or hanging baskets.

Tradescantia blossfeldiana

Known for its rich purple shades and compact growth habit, Tradescantia blossfeldiana brings bold colour and easy-care nature to your home or office. It’s perfect for both indoor pots and sheltered outdoor spots, where its cascading habit softens edges beautifully.

Tradescantia virginiana

If you’re searching for a hardy perennial, Tradescantia virginiana is a classic garden favourite. With upright stems and clusters of blue-purple flowers, this tradescantia variety adds delicate interest to perennial borders and naturalised settings. It’s particularly tolerant of moist soils and partial shade.

Choosing and Caring for Tradescantia Varieties

Each of these tradescantia varieties has its own personality, so consider your lighting, moisture, and style preferences when choosing. Most tradescantia thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer well-draining soil. Water when the top layer of the soil feels dry and enjoy their rapid, rewarding growth through the warmer months. Many varieties will trail beautifully from hanging pots, while others make lush groundcovers or border plants in the right conditions.

For collectors or those just starting out, adding a few different tradescantia varieties to your home or garden is a wonderful way to enjoy varied foliage textures, colour, and adaptability. Explore our full range of tradescantia plants and find your new favourites today.


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