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Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) growing in South Florida
FLEPPC FLEPPC Category IGrade Florida #1

Purple Heart — South Florida Plant Guide

Tradescantia pallida

Family: Commelinaceae · Groundcover

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Itilizasyon Peyizaj

color groundcover maintained areas onlyslope bank stabilizationborder edge accentcontainer spillermass planting away from natural areas

Etikèt Estil

colorfulbold foliagedrought tolerantspreading

Gid Kwasans pou Sid Florid

Bezwen Limyè

Full SunPartial Sun

Bezwen Dlo

Low1/10

Once established (12–18 months), Purple Heart is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Very low water. Extremely drought tolerant once established. 1x per week dry season or less. Overwatering causes rot. One of the most drought tolerant groundcovers in South Florida.

Tè ak Fètilizasyon

sandyloamwell drained

Fertilizer: Balanced 8-2-12 slow-release. Very low fertilization requirement.

Schedule: February and September balanced slow-release fertilizer — very low needs.

Tolerans Sèl

Moderate (4/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Wotè Matire
0.51.5 ft
Lajè Matire
spreadsspreads ft
Vitès Kwasans
fast-spreading
Bezwen Dlo
1/10
Nòt Florida
Florida #1
Pri Enstalasyon
$
Zòn USDA
8, 9, 10a, 10b, 11
Estati FLEPPC
FLEPPC Category I
Nòt Iguàn
5/10

Kote pou Achte nan Sid Florid

Jwenn Purple Heart nan pepinyè Sid Florid — verifye disponiblite ak pri nan pepinyè pre ou.

Kesyon Souvan Poze

How fast does Purple Heart grow in South Florida?

Purple Heart has a fast-spreading growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Purple Heart safe for pets?

Purple Heart is not safe for pets. Tradescantia sap causes contact dermatitis in pets — skin irritation, allergic reaction. Mildly toxic if ingested. Disclose to pet owners.

How much water does Purple Heart need in South Florida?

Low water needs (1/10). Once established (12–18 months), Purple Heart is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Purple Heart tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Purple Heart has moderate salt tolerance (4/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Purple Heart available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Purple Heart is classified as: allowed-with-disclosure. ALLOWED but FLEPPC Category 1 INVASIVE — MANDATORY written disclosure at installation.

Disponiblite pa Konte nan Sid Florid

Miami-Dade County

Allowed-with-disclosure

ALLOWED but FLEPPC Category 1 INVASIVE — MANDATORY written disclosure at installation. Do NOT install within 150 feet of natural areas, Everglades, drainage canals, or conservation lands.

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

Wè Gid Konte →

Broward County

Allowed-with-disclosure

ALLOWED but FLEPPC Category 1 INVASIVE — mandatory written disclosure. Do not install near Broward natural areas or water management lands.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

Wè Gid Konte →

Palm Beach County

Allowed-with-disclosure

ALLOWED but FLEPPC Category 1 INVASIVE — mandatory written disclosure. Distance from natural areas and conservation lands required.

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

Wè Gid Konte →

Collier County

Allowed-with-disclosure

ALLOWED but FLEPPC Category 1 INVASIVE — high ecological sensitivity in Collier County near Big Cypress and Everglades. STRONGLY RECOMMEND non-invasive alternatives for Collier installations.

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

Wè Gid Konte →

Monroe County

Allowed-with-disclosure

ALLOWED but FLEPPC Category 1 INVASIVE — extreme ecological sensitivity in Monroe County (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary adjacent). STRONGLY RECOMMEND non-invasive alternatives for Keys installations.

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

Wè Gid Konte →

Referans konplè òdonans disponib pou abòne Pwofesyonèl. Toujou verifye egzijans konte aktyèl anvan enstalasyon.

Bezwen yon Fich Espesifikasyon?

Ekspòte yon PDF pou kliyan ak espesifikasyon Nòt Florida, estati legal konte ak risk echèk. Disponib pou abòne Pwofesyonèl.

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