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Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort)

Virginia Spiderwort, Spider Lily

Tradescantia virginiana, Virginia Spiderwort, Spider Lily, Blue Flowers, Purple Flowers
Tradescantia virginiana, Virginia Spiderwort, Spider Lily, Blue Flowers, Purple Flowers

Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort) is a vigorous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with long, erect or arching, bright-green, narrow leaves. From late spring to midsummer, the foliage is topped by small clusters of three-petaled, violet-blue to purple 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. This charming wildflower provides attractive seasonal color in shady or sunny areas. In warm regions, Virginia Spiderwort goes dormant during the summer. Pair it with late blooming perennials to fill the gaps.

  • Grows up to 18-30 in. tall (45-75 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm). This plant may self-sow aggressively in optimum growing conditions.
  • Performs best in fertile, dry to moist, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates sun and full shade.
  • Great for beds and borders, woodland gardens or shade gardens, bog gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • After flowering, cut back flowered stems to prevent seeding and to encourage further flowers.
  • Propagate by division in spring or autumn.
  • Native to the eastern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 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 Spiderwort, Spider Lily, Virginia Spiderwort
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid),
Height 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Southeast, California, Northeast, Midwest, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Georgia
Tolerance Full Shade, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

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

Recommended Companion Plants

Penstemon digitalis ‘Husker Red’ (Foxglove Beardtongue)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
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
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 Spiderwort, Spider Lily, Virginia Spiderwort
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid),
Height 1' - 3' (30cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Southeast, California, Northeast, Midwest, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Kentucky, Georgia
Tolerance Full Shade, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
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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