Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Tradescantia zebrina
Inch Plant
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Height
- 6 to 12 inches tall
- Width
- 1 to 2 feet wide
- Flower color
- Small, pink to purple flowers
- Foliage color
- Green leaves with silvery stripes on top and a purple underside
- Bloom time
- Primarily spring and summer
- Light
- Bright, indirect light to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; trim as needed to control spread
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 9 to 11 (often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates)
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees
About this plant
Tradescantia zebrina, also known as inch plant, is a dramatic trailing plant native to Mexico and Central America. Its vibrant, iridescent leaves are striped with deep green, silver, and purple tones, creating a bold, dynamic look in hanging baskets, containers, or as ground cover in warm climates. The leaves' distinctive coloration and vining habit make it a favorite for adding color and texture to indoor or shaded garden spaces.
This plant blooms intermittently throughout the year, producing small, delicate, pink to purple flowers that add a charming contrast to the richly colored foliage. Tradescantia zebrina's easygoing nature and stunning visual appeal have made it popular among plant enthusiasts, especially as a low-maintenance option for brightening up indoor settings.
Works well in
Woodland Gardens · Borders · Under Trees · Pathways & Walkways
Companion plants
Oxalis · Kalmias · Trilliums · Sword ferns · Violets · Rodgersias
Design tip
Use the shimmering foliage to weave bold ribbons of color beneath shrubs and small trees where flowers are less abundant. Repeat silver-toned leaves throughout the planting to create visual continuity while adding movement, depth, and year-round texture.
