FLOWER/PLANT OF THE WEEK: Purple Hearts. Other Names are Purple Queen and Wandering Jew.

The Purple Heart Plant is mostly used in outdoor landscaping because of its beautiful purple color. It is also a ground cover specimen that can easily be used in hanging baskets. I only use it in hanging baskets and in the early fall, before temperatures begin to drop dangerously, I take cuttings and put them in water inside my home. The cuttings develop roots during winter and by late spring, when the temperatures don’t fall below 50 degrees, I get ready to plant them outdoors in my hanging baskets. I have been doing this for years, therefore, I don’t remember when was the last time that I purchased Purple Heart plants, smile. Love them!
  
Plant Stats:
 
Perennial: Only in warmer states and tropical areas, after planting it grows real fast.
Hardiness: To play it safe, do not keep it outdoors in temperatures under 40 degrees.
Deer Resistant: Yes.       
Full Sun: Yes
Partial Sun:  Could survive buy it should get at least 4-5 hours of full sun.
Shade: No
Bloom Time: Summer time, cute small flowers.         
Color: Deep purple foliage with pink flowers.
Size: Low growing and cascading, that’s why is so good for baskets and planters.      
Water Needs: Low water needs.
Good Companion Plants: In the ground, use any plant that grows taller as a backdrop such as Crotons, which incidentally are perennials. In hanging baskets or planters; however, use plants that grow straight up in the center, (such as Marigold’s), and then use Purple Hearts cascading from the edges.