An impressive display of color and texture, Tinantia is a little known genus of about 14 species in the tradescantia family, native from Texas to Nicaragua. In their native habitats, tinantia prefers part shade, warm, humid air and well-drained soil. Tinantia has a loose, rounded habit that pairs well with oxalis, ferns, carex, and epimediums. Try placing tinantia so that it spills over a wall or the edge of a mixed container. The purple-speckled leaves and lavender flowers of tinantia go well with white-flowered plants like Iris japonica, or yellow-flowered plants like farfugium. Tinantia is a charming little plant that deserves wider use in the garden.
Grows to 12″ tall with light purple flowers. Prefers shade to partial shade.
