Tradescantia virginiana
blue spiderwort
An upright perennial to a height of 50cm with slightly succulent, narrow, green leaves that can reach 35cm long. In summer clusters of light purple, blue or purple three-petalled flowers are borne
Other common names
common spiderwortMoses in the bulrushes
see moreTrinity flower
Virginia spiderwort
Virginian tradescantia
bluebells
flower of a day
spiderwort
widow's tears
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Tradescantia can be trailing or tufted perennials with usually fleshy, evergreen foliage and distinctive, 3-petalled flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Easy to grow in moist soils, bog gardens, and well-drained soil in sun or part-shade. Can be untidy so may need staking. See staking perennials
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn after flowering, or in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back all foliage back to ground level at the end of the season
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs and snails
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and a rust
Get involved
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