The Purple Heart plant (Tradescantia pallida) is sought after for its striking, deep purple foliage and trailing growth habit. Also known as Purple Wandering Jew or Purple Spiderwort, it adds rich color to containers and garden beds. Whether this plant is a perennial depends entirely on local climate and temperature conditions.
Understanding the Tender Perennial Status
The Purple Heart is classified as a tender perennial, unlike a true perennial (such as a hosta or peony) which reliably returns year after year without winter protection. A true perennial lives for more than two years, even surviving a hard freeze. A tender perennial naturally lives for multiple years but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
Tradescantia pallida is native to the Gulf Coast region of Mexico, which explains its low tolerance for cold weather. The plant is reliably perennial only in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F to 30°F. Outside of these zones, the plant’s succulent stems and leaves die back immediately below 50°F, and a hard frost will kill the entire plant structure. Gardeners in cooler climates must treat it as an annual or bring it indoors for the winter.
Cultivating the Plant for Vibrant Growth
To achieve the deepest and most vibrant purple coloration in the Purple Heart’s foliage, light exposure is the most important factor. The plant thrives best in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Plants in partial shade will still grow, but their leaves often revert to a duller greenish-purple hue.
The soil should be well-draining, as the fleshy stems are susceptible to rot if left in soggy conditions. Once established, the Purple Heart is reasonably drought-tolerant, but regular watering during the active growing season promotes lush, rapid growth. To prevent the plant from becoming leggy or sparse, occasional pruning is necessary. Pinching back the growing tips encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a denser, more attractive mound of purple foliage.
Ensuring Survival Through Cold Weather
For gardeners living in climates colder than USDA Zone 9, there are two primary methods for ensuring the Purple Heart plant returns the following spring. The first is to overwinter the entire plant indoors as a houseplant. Before the first expected frost, move the container to a sunny window where the plant can be maintained at normal room temperatures. Watering should be significantly reduced during the winter months, and fertilization should be stopped altogether, allowing the plant to enter a period of semi-dormancy.
The second method is propagation via stem cuttings. The Purple Heart roots readily from cuttings, and stem segments about four to six inches long can be taken before cold weather arrives. These cuttings can be rooted simply by placing them in a glass of water or directly into moist potting mix. Once roots develop, the small plants can be maintained indoors near a bright window throughout the winter.