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Tradescantia spathacea 'Variegata'

 
Tradescantia spathacea 'Variegata'
Moses-in-the-cradle; Moses-in-a-basket; oyster plant
Same plant two months later
Common name Moses-in-the-cradle; Moses-in-a-basket; oyster plant
Family commelinaceae
Life cycle tender perennial (Z9-11)
Flowers white (spring-fall)
Size 12-24"
Light part shade
Cultural notes prefers moist, well-drained soil

Strappy-leaved perennial with linear cream-and-green variagation on the top leaf surfaces, and purple-pink underneath. Since the leaves twist around a bit as they emerge from the clump, both colors are visible, making for a striking color combination. I hope it proves hardy here – we're just on the borderline here in the Houston area. The species is native to Mexico and the West Indies.

Tradescantia spathacea 'Variegata'
Damaged by the season's first light freeze, Dec 2017

This plant used to grow in our garden, but it slipped away...

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