How to prune purple heart

After flowering (summer) and again in early spring if needed. Cut stems back by half to two-thirds using clean scissors or secateurs, cutting just above a leaf node. For overgrown or leggy plants, cut hard to within 5–8 cm of the soil. New growth emerges quickly in warm conditions.

Two to three times a year during the growing season. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) needs regular cutting back to stay compact and maintain its deep purple colour. Without pruning, stems sprawl and become bare and woody at the base. Cut back hard after flowering to encourage fresh, richly coloured growth. Severe winters may kill stems to the ground — cut back in spring.

Cut stems back by half to two-thirds using clean scissors or secateurs, cutting just above a leaf node. For overgrown or leggy plants, cut hard to within 5–8 cm of the soil. New growth emerges quickly in warm conditions.