Like oil on water, the subtle sheen of color softly overlays on the flat, fine green fronds in a magical way. If you site it well, it forms a dense mat that spreads in all directions from the clump, fronds often rooting at their tips to eventually form a 1' high groundcover. It needs a rich, moist soil that receives moisture or mist regularly, such as along a creek's edge, where it gets a light mist or spray from the water. Possibly hardy in zone 5 with winter mulch. Basal, heart-shaped leaves sometimes have a purplish back.
Plants like to colonize in favorable conditions, creating a nice woodland groundcover.
That's a good enough reason for me to use this plant throughout the garden. The flowers are small and insignificant, but the rich purple, strappy-leaved foliage is bold without being flashy. Nestle 'Purple Heart' around 'Crisppsii' Chamaecyparis, intersperse with Golden Creeping Jenny or plant next to a drift of 'Golden Fleece' Goldenrod, for combos worth talking about. Grows to a full clump of 2' in light shade or full sun. Looks wonderful spilling out of containers with annuals and perennials.