My spiderwort is probably the oldest plant in my garden. It was a division of a plant that my mother had since I was a child and I have always been able to depend on it for bloom and vigorous growth no matter what garden or container I put it in. It is very easy to grow, the blue color of the flower goes with everything, and it quickly forms a large clump when divided. In my Annapolis garden it grew to about 3’ high in part sun but here in the full sun and very good soil of my North Carolina garden it is at least 4’ tall and blooms earlier and longer. If you need a versatile plant that will give you a long show of flowers with few demands, consider spiderwort.
Type: Herbaceous perennial.
Bloom: Blue, lilac, purple, pink, white flowers in late spring-early summer for about 8 weeks total.
Size: 24” W-36” H with ever enlarging clumps.
Light: Full sun to partial shade; in most climates will bloom better and be less lanky in sun.
Soil: Average well drained but tolerates most soils .
Fertilizer: Average soil provides all that is needed.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9.
Care: Cut back when foliage becomes unattractive to encourage another bloom.
Pests and Diseases: None of importance.
Propagation: By division in spring or autumn; self sows.
Companion plants: Grasses, daylilies, liriope, Siberian iris and hosta.
Outstanding Selections: ‘Zwanenburg Blue’(deep violet blue), ‘Red Cloud’ (rosey red), ‘Snowcap” (pure white), ‘J. C. Weguelin’ (light blue), ‘Isis’ (oxford blue), ‘Purple Dome’ (deep purple).
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I love it – it self-sowed all up a path for me this year – never did that before. 4 ft. – yikes! For me about 18in to 2ft in close to full shade.
I’m so glad you share my enthusasum for Tradescantia. Big or small, its a reat plant for the garden.
I live in Amsterdam Holland and have a tradescantia on my balcon. It is a joy and has been flowering for years! I have a question though. I think by now it should be divided because it completely fills the pot and have very little soil left. It is now so late in the summer – almost june – and I can see the budforming. What happens if I now divide it? I do not want to lose it….I would appreciate it if you could help….
blessings
Venke
Venke,
Tradescantia are tough plants and can probably take division after flowering. When it has finished blooming, cut back to 3-4″ above the ground (I do this every year in the garden a couple of times) and divide it into several pieces, depending on how many you want and how big the mother plant is. After you divide the plant be sure to put the potted divisions in a shady place for a week or so and water them well. When they seem to be putting out new growth bring them slowly into sun. When you repot, be sure to clean the old pot well and get good fresh potting soil; one that contains a slow release fertilizer would be good.
Karen