Maryland Native Plants
Tradescantia virginiana – Virginia Spiderwort
Planting and Growing
Habit
Tradescantia virginiana is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial which grows up to 3′ tall. The three-petaled flowers (.75-1.5″ diameter) are Violet-blue to purple, and are accented by contrasting yellow stamens in the center. Each flower lasts only one day and is succeeded by a fresh blossom which opens from terminal clusters (umbels) containing numerous flower buds. Flowers bloom in succession from late May into early July. Arching, iris-like, dark green leaves up to 1′ long and 1 inch wide are folded lengthwise forming a groove. Foliage often turns pale or dies back by midsummer, but regrows as autumn approaches and may even rebloom.
Fun Facts
The genus Tradescantia was named after John Tradescant, an English naturalist and gardener in service of King Charles I. An avid traveler and collector, Tradescant amassed a large collection of rare plants and natural curiosities. Around 1683, the collection was opened to the public, and became the first public museum in England.
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Plant Information
Common Name: Virginia Spiderwort
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Commelinaceae
Height: 1.50 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: May to July
Bloom Description: Blue to violet-blue, rarely rose or white
Sun: Part shade to full shade
Water: Medium to moist
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Clay Soil, Wet Soil, Black Walnut
(Information from Missouri Botanical Garden, North Carolina Extension, Penn State Extenstion, NRCS Plant Guide, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and Ashmolean Museum Oxford)