Recent warm weather started the garden-planning process for many of us. If you are seeking a quick-growing,, easy perennial for a splash of violet, consider Purple Heart.

Tradescantia pallida (pronounced trad-es-KAN-tee-uh PAL-lid-duh), commonly called Purple Heart, has striking purple leaves. It is grown for its rich foliage, but it also has delicate, three-petaled pink or purple flowers. It is a popular choice for gardens and flower beds, and can be grown as an annual or perennial depending on the climate, or as a houseplant anywhere.

Purple Heart can reach up to eighteen inches tall and twenty-four inches wide, with a trailing habit. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade. It will survive in full sun if given occasional irrigation. More sun results in greater color intensity of leaves. Plants are drought-tolerant once established. They are undemanding in soil type or texture.

Propagation of Purple Heart is easy from stem cuttings. Cuttings can be taken in the spring or summer rooted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. For those with no desire to set up a propagation area, fair success can be obtained by taking stem cuttings and inserting them into the soil where the mother plant is growing. Remove any leaves that will be below ground level, and ensure that soil covers a node (where a leaf emerged from the stem). Keep soil damp and at least half the cuttings will strike roots.

Plants are hardy zones 7-11. A hard frost will turn all top growth into mush, which can be removed any time before spring. In the cooler zones, a light mulch (pine needles) will help protect the roots and ensure its return. New growth will emerge as soon as weather warms in the spring. Purple Heart is not particularly susceptible to diseases or pests, including deer. It provides a beautiful contrast to yellow or pink flowers. Its undemanding nature and rapid growth makes it a good choice for new gardeners.