Tradescantia virginiana
Common spiderwort, Early spiderwort, Showy spiderwort, Widow's tears
- Height × spread
- 0.5m × 1m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This makes a characterful stand of long spiky leaves that are held alternately on the upright stems. They stick out like the poles of a tightrope walker. At the top are the three-petalled flowers. These are generally blue but may also have mauve tints or are white or pink. This flowers from May to July and is the parent of many hybrids. This enjoys a partially or fully shaded site, liking heavy soils, enjoying acid ones, and enjoying some moisture. Cut the foliage back when flowering has finished to induce a further flush.
- Flower colour
- Blue, Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.5m
- Spread
- 1m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Rabbit resistant
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, potentially harmful; Humans: Skin allergen
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Found in
More Tradescantia
Tradescantia
Spiderwort, Spider lily
Tradescantia Andersoniana Group
Spiderwort, Spider lily, Trinity flower, Devil in the pulpit, Giant spiderwort
Tradescantia Andersoniana Group 'Osprey'
Spiderwort, Spider lily, Trinity flower, Devil in the pulpit, Giant spiderwort
Tradescantia Andersoniana Group 'Perinne's Pink'
Spiderwort
Tradescantia sillamontana
White velvet
Tradescantia 'Brightness'
Spiderwort, Spider lily, Silver inch plant
Tradescantia 'Concord Grape'
Spiderwort, Spider lily, Trinity flower, Devil in the pulpit, Giant spiderwort
Tradescantia 'Nanouk'
Spiderwort, Spider lily, Flowering inch plant