Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana)
This type of spiderwort is a hardy perennial that grows wild in some areas. I have both the purple and the dark blue spiderwort growing here. The dark blue kind seems to flower slightly later, and the purple blossoms always seem to show up first, although both still blossom at roughly the same time. Spiderwort likes moist, fertile soil and light shade and is an extremely easy plant to grow. It grows to a height of two to three feet and forms a dense cluster of ornamental foliage. Plants will spread rapidly if you don’t keep them in check (don’t ask me how I know!), but if you want even more plants than increase naturally, spiderwort can be divided in spring or early fall. The flowers close in bright sunlight but will remain open in shade or on a cloudy day. Each flower blooms for only a short time, but there is a succession of blooms with new flowers opening over a long period of time.
Written by Shirley | Filed Under Enjoying Nature, Old-Fashioned Perennials, Plants in my Gardens, Voluntary Simplicity, Wildflowers
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Comments
Comment by Eleanor:
When can I transplant spiderwort? I am new to spiderwort and love it. It is sprouting in many places in my garden where I need to move it. Can I do it now (early June) after it has bloomed and is dying down?
Also, does it grow from seed? Is it a self-seeding plant or is there a bulb there that I need to think about?
Thank you.
ET
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