Issue #10

Can you grow your Tradescantias outdoors?

Hi fellow plant lovers!

Have you ever wondered if you can keep your Tradescantias outdoors, or have you already seen them growing in someone's garden and wondered what the secret is?

Tradescantias make a lovely addition to any garden or balcony, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you want them to thrive in the fresh air. Let's look into it!

First off: origins and climate.

Let's start by looking at where Tradescantias originate. They're native to Central and South America, regions generally characterized by higher temperatures and humidity. Different species of Tradescantia thrive in varied conditions: Zebrina and Fluminensis are typically found in the understory of forests and along riverbanks, Spathacea prefers locations near water, while Pallida and Sillamontana can survive on rocky hillsides. What they all have in common is a preference for well-draining soil and plenty of light.

Can they survive in your garden?

Climate is the most important factor to consider if you're wondering whether Tradescantias can live outdoors in your garden. They prefer warm temperatures, ideally between 20-25°C (68-77°F). However, they are sensitive to cold. Below 10°C (50°F), they will start to suffer damage, and exposure to frost will most likely kill them. Some varieties can handle slightly cooler temperatures better than others, but I wouldn't risk it if it's a plant I want to keep.

Tradescantias enjoy bright, indirect light, which, when outdoors, is something similar to full sun indoors. Many varieties, like Sillamontana and Pallida, can even thrive in full outdoor sun, but they need to be acclimated gradually to avoid sunburn. The variegated types are a bit more delicate and require more time to adapt to outdoor conditions; they also tend to sunburn more easily.

I live in Sweden, so I wait until May to put my plants outdoors when the risk of frost should be over. I expect them only to last until September when the colder weather of autumn begins to set in.

Where to plant them:

Tradescantias make perfect additions to all your outdoor planters, creating a gorgeous display as they hang over the sides! They can also serve as great ground covers for your flowerbeds.

As crawling plants, they spread along the ground, rooting wherever they touch. They can be quite invasive and may take over if allowed to grow freely. It’s important to ensure that wherever you plant them, the soil is well-draining.

Note: Depending on where you live, it might be illegal to plant them directly in the ground, as they're considered invasive plants. So please check local regulations before planting them outside.

The frost-hardy Tradescantias:

There are actually quite a few Tradescantias that are frost-hardy. These are native to North America and, unlike the tropical varieties, grow in clumps with long grassy leaves. If you're interested in these, check out the Tradescantias belonging to the Andersoniana Group.

What I usually do is start in January by saving all the cuttings left over when I trim my plants. I then plant these cuttings in my outdoor planters. A few cuttings will turn into a big, bushy plant in no time.

I've also ordered two new Tradescantias from the Andersoniana Group and will be planting them in my garden this summer. It's the first time I've had any of these, so it will be interesting to see how they do.

I love how they requires very little maintenance outdoors; I let them grow freely and only water if it's been a few days without rain. This, of course, depends on the size of the planter, how much water it can hold, and how much sun it's getting.

And to address the recurring discussion: can they tolerate water on their leaves? Yes, it's not a problem outdoors because the air is constantly moving, so the water doesn't linger on the leaves like it does indoors.

That's the beauty of having them outdoors—they're less sensitive and can tolerate various conditions much better.

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Are you planning to grow Tradescantias outdoors this summer?

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If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out on Instagram!

Until next time, happy planting!

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