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Products > Callisia fragrans   Callisia fragrans - Basket Plant THIS LISTING FOR INFORMATION ONLY - WE NO LONGER GROW THIS PLANT  [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Tropical Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderworts) Origin: Mexico (North America) Red/Purple Foliage: Yes Flower Color: White Bloomtime: Spring Synonyms: [Tradescantia dracaenoides, Hort] Height: <1 foot Width: 2-4 feet Exposure: Light Shade/Part Sun Irrigation (H2O Info): High Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F Callisia fragrans (Basket Plant) - A low growing perennial native of Mexico with 6 to 10 inch long waxy green leaves arranged alternately with the bases overlapping so tightly that they appear to be in rosettes. The leaves have a slight purplish color underneath and on the upper margins when in bright light. Trailing stems grow out over the ground or upward with support. Although not blooming regularly in our climate, it occasionally has small, white fragrant flowers arranged in clusters of three in terminal panicles. Best planted in well drained soil that is regularly irrigated in part sun to shade (purple color best with more light). Flourishes in warm subtropical climates but can tolerate a mild frost in the cooler winters of coastal California . Makes a good groundcover in mild climates and is good in a hanging basket. In bright light it lays flat and takes on the look of a cluster of bromeliads but when in deeper shade it grows upright and more closely resembles a Dracaena. Tradescantia dracaenoides, an invalid botanical name, and the common name, false bromeliad, are both associated with this plant for this reason. It is also a known weed in subtropical gardens where it is often referred to as Inch Plant for the tendency to inch out on its stems, which root on contact with moist soil. This spreading nature has led some to also call it Octopus Plant. We received this plant from the Horticulture Department at the Univ. of Florida, Gainesville. We grew this plant from 2005 until 2008.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.