Tradescantia 'Blushing Bride' 1g

Tradescantia ‘Blushing Bride’ is a distinctive variegated spiderwort selection introduced to the nursery trade by San Marcos Growers after coming to their attention at the 2003 San Francisco Flower & Garden Show. While the original breeder and parentage are not well documented, the cultivar has become valued for its colorful foliage rather than its flowers. New growth emerges flushed pink, matures to creamy white, and eventually ages to green, creating a multi-toned display that distinguishes it from other variegated Tradescantia selections. Habit & Size: Forms a dense, spreading groundcover or cascading specimen approximately 6–8 inches tall and 4–5 feet wide. New growth displays bright pink variegation that gradually softens to white and green as leaves mature. Small pink flowers are produced during summer, though the foliage remains the primary ornamental feature. Coloration is typically most intense during winter and spring and in locations receiving bright filtered light. Cultural Requirements: Performs best in morning sun or bright shade with moderate irrigation. Adaptable to containers, hanging baskets, mixed planters, and shaded landscape plantings. Regular moisture promotes vigorous growth, while periodic pruning encourages fresh flushes of pink and white variegated foliage. Tolerates coastal conditions and has demonstrated greater cold tolerance than many Tradescantia selections, surviving temperatures into the mid-20s °F with minimal damage. Landscape Uses: An excellent choice for hanging baskets, container combinations, shaded borders, groundcover applications, and spilling over walls or raised planters. Particularly useful where colorful foliage is desired in shaded or partially shaded locations. Suitable for shade gardens, patio containers, mixed seasonal plantings, and other situations where long-lasting foliage color is a primary design consideration. Identification Note: Distinguished from other variegated Tradescantia selections by its unique foliage progression from pink to white to green, often displaying all three colors simultaneously on a single plant. Pests and Cultural Considerations: Generally easy to grow with few significant pest issues. Mealybugs may occasionally occur, particularly in container production or densely grown nursery crops. Aphids, spider mites, and scale insects may appear under stressful growing conditions. Root and crown rot can develop in poorly drained soils or where plants remain excessively wet. Older stems may become leggy over time; periodic pruning or shearing is recommended to encourage compact growth and maintain strong variegation. Best performance is achieved with regular moisture, good drainage, and occasional rejuvenation pruning.