Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate' stands out with its striking chartreuse foliage that creates a glowing contrast to the rich violet blue flowers blooming throughout late spring and summer. This clump forming perennial is prized for its vivid color pairing, compact habit, and adaptability to both garden beds and containers. Deadheading spent blooms encourages a longer flowering season and the foliage remains luminous even when not in bloom.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil with average fertility
Watering Needs: Moderate; benefits from regular moisture during bloom
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to slightly toxic sap
Native Status
Derived from Tradescantia virginiana, which is native to North America. 'Sweet Kate' is a cultivated variety selected for its vibrant foliage and garden performance.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Frequented by bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees for its abundant pollen.
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies like Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and skippers that feed on its nectar rich blooms.
Beneficial Insects
- Draws hoverflies and parasitic wasps which assist in controlling pest populations in nearby plantings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow for low mounding clumps and avoid crowding in moist soils.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for the front of the border, rain gardens, and mixed containers where bright foliage adds year round interest. Works well planted near darker leaved companions for contrast.
Companion Plants
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Silvery veined foliage provides elegant contrast to the bold foliage color and thrives in similar conditions.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Fine textured golden yellow flowers enhance the brightness of Tradescantia’s foliage.
- Campanula carpatica 'Blue Clips' - Compact blue bell flowers match the bloom tone and fit snugly in front of Tradescantia mounds.
- Heuchera 'Obsidian' - Deep burgundy foliage contrasts dramatically with the electric chartreuse leaves of 'Sweet Kate'.
- Geranium 'Rozanne' - Long blooming blue flowers echo the bloom color while creating a softening effect at the base.