Setcreasea Purple Queen

Plant name: Setcreasea ‘Purple Queen’

Scientific name: Tradescantia pallida ‘Purple Queen’ (syn. Setcreasea pallida)

Plant description:
Setcreasea ‘Purple Queen’ is a trailing, evergreen perennial grown for its saturated purple foliage and vigorous spreading habit. This fast-growing plant forms a low mat of succulent stems that root along the ground, creating dense coverage. It is widely used in landscape beds, containers, and hanging baskets for bold foliage color and reliable warm-season performance.

Flower description:
Small, three-petaled flowers in soft pink to lavender appear intermittently throughout the warm season. While delicate and short-lived, the blooms provide subtle contrast against the deep purple leaves.

Leaf description:
Leaves are elongated, lance-shaped, and smooth with a rich purple to burgundy coloration. The color intensifies in full sun and may shift to a deeper tone in cooler weather. Foliage grows densely along trailing stems, creating strong visual impact.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in frost-free climates; may die back to the ground in colder regions and regrow from the roots

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 7–11

Mature height and width:
Typically 6–12 inches tall and spreading 18–36 inches or more, depending on growing conditions

Landscape uses:
Suitable for groundcover, edging, mass plantings, hanging baskets, and container combinations. Effective for spilling over retaining walls and softening hardscape edges. Its bold foliage pairs well with silver, chartreuse, or green plants.

Native range:
Native to northeastern Mexico

Sun exposure:
Full sun produces the strongest foliage color and compact growth. Tolerates partial shade but may develop looser stems and lighter leaf coloration in reduced light.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture in well-drained soil. Avoid prolonged waterlogged conditions.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance. May occasionally experience spider mites or aphids. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Stems may become leggy if light levels are insufficient.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Excellent tolerance of heat and direct sun. Maintains foliage color and growth during extended warm weather when moisture is adequate.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to hard frost. Top growth may be damaged or killed by freezing temperatures, though plants may regrow from the roots in regions within their hardiness range.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil and provide adequate spacing to allow spreading. Pinch back stems periodically to encourage branching and maintain a fuller appearance. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can reduce foliage color intensity. In cooler climates, cut back frost-damaged stems in early spring once new growth begins to emerge.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.