Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
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.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced 8-2-12 slow-release. Very low fertilization requirement.
Schedule: February and September balanced slow-release fertilizer — very low needs.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 0.5–1.5 ft
- Mature Width
- spreads–spreads ft
- Growth Rate
- fast-spreading
- Water Demand
- 1/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 8, 9, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- FLEPPC Category I
- Iguana Rating
- 5/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Purple Heart at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
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.
View County Guide →Broward County
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.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
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.
View County Guide →Collier County
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.
View County Guide →Monroe County
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.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Purple Heart
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.