How much sun does Moses-in-the-cradle need?

Moses-in-the-cradle grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Moses-in-the-cradle bloom?

Moses-in-the-cradle blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.

Is Moses-in-the-cradle HOA-friendly?

Moses-in-the-cradle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Moses-in-the-cradle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Tradescantia spathacea

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Moses-in-the-cradle (Tradescantia spathacea) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native alternatives to Moses-in-the-cradle

Moses-in-the-cradle is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Moses-in-the-cradle is a compact perennial groundcover with distinctive purple undersides on its thick, lance-shaped leaves. The small white flowers are nestled in boat-shaped bracts, creating an interesting architectural look. This low-growing plant maintains a neat, clumping habit and provides year-round color in shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Moses-in-the-cradle is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

While not a major pollinator plant, the small flowers may attract occasional small bees and beneficial insects. The dense foliage can provide shelter for small wildlife like lizards and ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Moses-in-the-cradle need?: Moses-in-the-cradle grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Moses-in-the-cradle bloom?: Moses-in-the-cradle blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
Is Moses-in-the-cradle HOA-friendly?: Moses-in-the-cradle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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