This beautiful perennials is a North
American native. Plants grow in clumps with long grass-like leaves that bear vibrant
purple, pink or white flowers. Each flower only last for one day but a cluster of buds
ensures that there is a succession of bloom from late May right up through August.
Plants range in heights from 12 inches to 2 feet depending upon variety. A very nice
selection for the woodland garden as it thrives under trees where very few blooming plants
will grow.
Spiderwort can be grown in either full sun or shade but seems to perform better and
bloom longer if given some shelter form the hot afternoon sun. Plants prefer a rich,
moist soil that has been heavily amended with organic materials. Feed in early spring with
a top dressing of composted manure and bone meal. Feed lightly in the summer with
fish emulsion - to much feeding can result in lush foliage growth at the expense of
flowering. If plants do become leggy cut them back and a new flush of growth will
quickly reappear. Water plants well during hot dry spells.
Tradescantia
Zones: 3 - 9
Propagation: seed and division
Problems: none known
Notes: Plants often begin to fade as soon as they are finished
flowering - trim the foliage all the way to the ground as soon as the foliage starts to
turn yellow.
(tra-des-kant'
ee-a)
