'Purple Queen' Purple Spiderwort

‘Purple Queen’ is a trailing Tradescantia grown for its deep purple foliage and small pink flowers. In warm regions it can form a low groundcover; in colder climates it is commonly used as an annual or container spiller that can be protected from frost. ## Placement and season The [Proven Winners profile](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/tradescantia/purple-queen-purple-spiderwort-tradescantia-pallida) lists a 12–18 inch garden height, a 12–24 inch spread, and hardiness zones 8–11. It grows in sun or shade, and pink flowers may appear in spring and summer while the foliage remains the primary feature. Once established, it tolerates dry periods, though regular moisture also suits it. Use it along retaining walls, in rock gardens, or at the edge of a container where stems can trail. ## Maintenance Trim or pinch stems when the plant becomes sparse to encourage branching. Water during prolonged dry weather after establishment, and bring container plants under cover before freezing temperatures.