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Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Sweet Kate’ (Spider Lily)

Spider Lily 'Sweet Kate', Spiderwort 'Sweet Kate', Tradescantia 'Blue and Gold'

Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate',  Spider Lily 'Sweet Kate', Spiderwort 'Sweet Kate', Blue Flowers, Purple Flowers, Yellow Foliage, Golden Foliage
Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate',  Spider Lily 'Sweet Kate', Spiderwort 'Sweet Kate', Blue Flowers, Purple Flowers, Yellow Foliage, Golden Foliage

Noted for its luminous chartreuse foliage, Tradescantia ‘Sweet Kate’ (Spider Lily) is a compact clump-forming perennial with narrowly lance-shaped bright golden-yellow leaves. From late spring to midsummer, the foliage is topped by small clusters of three-petaled, violet-blue flowers, up to 1.5 in. across (4 cm), adorned with showy yellow stamens. The purple flowers make an eye-popping contrast with the shimmering yellow leaves. Blooming in succession for about 8 weeks, each flower lasts only a day, but there is such an abundance of flower buds that this plant is rarely out of bloom.

  • Grows up to 9-12 in. tall and wide (22-30 cm).
  • Easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in sun or shade. The best yellow foliage color is obtained in full sun.
  • Great for beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, or coastal gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • After flowering, cut back flowered stems to prevent seeding and encourage further flowers.
  • Propagate by division in spring or autumn.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Commelinaceae
Genus Tradescantia
Common names Spider Lily, Spiderwort
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 9" - 11"
(23cm - 28cm)
Spread 9" - 1'
(23cm - 30cm)
Spacing 9" - 12"
(23cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Tradescantia occidentalis (Prairie Spiderwort)
Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio Spiderwort)
Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Concord Grape’ (Spider Lily)
Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort)
Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Dude)
Tradescantia sillamontana (White Velvet)

Recommended Companion Plants

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Foxglove Beardtongue)
Campanula persicifolia ‘Takion Blue’ (Peach-Leaved Bellflower)
Hosta ‘Fire Island’ (Plantain Lily)
Iris sibirica ‘Butter and Sugar’ (Siberian Iris)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 5 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Commelinaceae
Genus Tradescantia
Common names Spider Lily, Spiderwort
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 9" - 11"
(23cm - 28cm)
Spread 9" - 1'
(23cm - 30cm)
Spacing 9" - 12"
(23cm - 30cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Full Shade, Wet Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Tradescantia (Spiderwort)
Not sure which Tradescantia (Spiderwort) to pick?
Compare Now

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