- **Type**: Evergreen perennial (tender, often grown as an annual in cooler climates)

- **Height**: 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm)

- **Width**: 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm), spreading wider as it trails

- **Growth Habit**: Low, trailing, or sprawling; forms dense clumps or mats

- **Foliage**:

- Lance-shaped, succulent leaves, 4 to 7 inches long (10 to 18 cm)

- Deep purple to violet, with a velvety texture and pale hairs

- Evergreen in frost-free zones; may die back in cold winters

- **Flowers**:

- Small, three-petaled, pink to pale purple blooms, about 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) across

- Appear at stem tips, blooming sporadically from spring to fall (March to October), often short-lived (open in the morning)

- Mildly fragrant, attracts butterflies and bees

- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for richest purple color; tolerates partial shade (color may shift to greenish-purple)

- **Soil**:

- Well-drained, average fertility; adapts to sandy, loamy, or poor soils

- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0)

- **Watering**: Moderate; keep soil moist but not soggy, drought-tolerant once established

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 8 to 11 (10°F or -12°C; may regrow from roots in Zone 8 with protection)

- **Wildlife**: Attracts butterflies and bees; deer-resistant due to sticky sap

- **Care**:

- Pinch back stems to encourage bushiness and control spread

- Fertilize lightly with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) in spring or summer

- Cut back in fall if leggy or after frost in colder zones; propagate easily from stem cuttings

- **Pests/Diseases**:

- Generally pest-resistant; may see caterpillars, slugs, or snails outdoors; spider mites or mealybugs indoors

- Susceptible to root rot in overly wet soil

- **Uses**: Groundcover, hanging baskets, containers, borders, or houseplant

- **Growth Rate**: Moderate to fast; spreads quickly via rooting stems

- **Special Features**:

- Native to eastern Mexico; thrives in heat and humidity

- Sap may irritate skin; mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested

- Vibrant purple foliage offers striking contrast in mixed plantings

The Purple Queen’s bold purple leaves and easy-going nature make it a standout for adding color to sunny gardens, containers, or indoor spaces, thriving with minimal care and spreading readily where conditions allow. Let me know if you’d like more growing tips or design ideas!