Re: Tradescantia (was Oxalis)
Dave Poole wrote:
>
> Liz Runciman wrote:
>
> >This is a hideous pest, however I think Tradescantia (sorry don't know the
> >species of the wretched thing) and Vinca major are WORSE. At least if you
> >go on grubbing up oxalis it eventually admits defeat - tradescantia, NEVER.
>
> I have to agree with you there Liz. Upon realising that Tradescantia
> albifora and its varieties were hardy here, I foolishly planted (and
> for a fleeting moment, nurtured) the variety known here as 'Maiden's
> Blush'. Now as a variegated plant it has its merits - deep green leaf
> base with a mainly white blade in warmer weather, which takes on rich
> pink and eventually magenta tones as temperatures start to drop back
> in late summer. By November and early December its is a startling
> sight and only a frost of minus 3 or 4C seems to finally force it to
> ground for the winter.
Although I battle the common green T albiflora outdoors, I do cherish a
handful of more decorative varieties in the greenhouse (but in strict
captivity. I assure you)
The two I like best, as they are such easy subjects for hanging baskets,
are one with pale green leaves permanently striped with white and a
second which is similar to Dave's "Maiden" though not I think identical.
When first propagated, or kept in the shade the leaves of this one are a
shining silvery green with a prominent purple central strip and a narrow
purple margin. The backs of the leaves are permanently a rich plain
purple-red. If grown in a really sunny place the purple gradually
suffuses the whole leaf, though not entirely elimintaing the central
strip, and the colour changes from a rather somber purple to almost red.
A hanging basket of this plant in late summer is a magnificent sight and
has the advantage that rather neglectful watering apparently causes no
distress, but merely enhances the colour. Unfortunately, like a lot of
my plants, it came to me from another amateur grower without its
varietal name.
I find it tends to get straggly after running up to flower and always
re-propagate it at that time (incredibly easy to do, of course) Old
plants get tipped straight in the refuse. I don't want yet another thug
loose on my property!
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
