Wandering Jew

Family

Commelinaceae

Origin

Mexico

Description

Tradescantia Zebrina, also known as Wandering Jew is a small and low-growing trailing perennial grown for its foliage.

Trailing stems cascade down from a hanging basket. Stems are clad with fleshy, pointed, stem-clasping, oval leaves (to 2.5 long) that are blue-green with two broad silvery longitudinal stripes above and solid purple underneath. Tiny, three-petaled, lavender-purple flowers appear sporadically throughout the year on plants grown in the native habitat, flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year.. Leaf nodes along the stem are purportedly one inch apart, hence the common name.

Environment

Wandering Jew typically grow in moist, well-drained and acidic (pH 5 to 6) soil, though the plants to be quite forgiving in the garden and tolerant of many soil conditions. t

The plant do best in partial shade but will do equally well in sunny areas as long as the soil is kept moist.

These plants like to be kept fairly moist, so water regularly, especially if you re growing them in containers.

Cutting the plants back once flowering has ceased can often promote a second bloom and will help prevent re-seeding.

Landscape Use

Ornamental plant in gardens and borders, as a ground cover, hanging plant.