Alphabetical Plant Listing

Tradescantia occidentalis (Prairie Spiderwort)

Prairie Spiderwort, Western Spiderwort, Spiderwort


An eye-catching addition to the landscape, Tradescantia occidentalis (Prairie Spiderwort) is a vigorous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with long, arching, narrow leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm). From early to midsummer, the foliage is topped by small clusters of three-petaled, blue-violet flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with showy yellow stamens. Blooming in succession, each flower lasts only a day, but there is such an abundance of flower buds that this plant is rarely out of blooms. Valued by native bees, this charming wildflower provides attractive seasonal color in shady or sunny areas.

  • Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45cm). This plant may self-sow aggressively in optimum growing conditions and become invasive.
  • Easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in sun or shade. Flower production will decrease in too much shade. Some drought tolerance.
  • Great for beds and borders, woodland gardens or as a groundcover under trees.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, mealy bugs. Deer resistant.
  • After flowering, cut back flowered stems to prevent seeding and to encourage further flowers.
  • Propagate by cuttings.
  • Native from Minnesota to Louisiana.

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Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Tradescantia - Spiderworts
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New Jersey, New York, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Louisiana, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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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.


Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Tradescantia - Spiderworts
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New Jersey, New York, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Louisiana, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Bees
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Ground Covers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Tradescantia - Spiderworts

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