Tradescantia virginiana 'Alba'

RHS Plant Profile
white spiderwort

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Herbaceous Perennial
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A clump-forming perennial with narrow, upright to arching, slightly fleshy green leaves. White three-petalled flowers are borne in successional clusters in summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Commelinaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Flower production is better in full sun, but light afternoon shade is beneficial in areas with hot summers. Plants may need support, see staking perennials

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Plants may be sheared back after the first flush of flowers to encourage fresh new growth

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and a rust