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Spiderwort
Location
Native Garden
Spiderwort
Tradescantia ohiensis
- Common name: Spiderwort, Ohio spiderwort, bluejacket
- Scientific name: Tradescantia ohiensis
- Family name: Commelinaceae
- Origin: North America
- Height: 2 to 3 ft
- Width: 1.5 to 2.5 ft
- Growth: Fast
- Zone: USDA Zones 4 to 9
- Light needs: Full sun to part shade.
- Salt tolerance: Low
- Soil/pH/Texture: Does well in a range of soil types if it is well-drained and moist. Soil should be acidic (pH 5-6)
- Moisture: Soil should ideally remain consistently moist, although the plant can manage dry periods
- Drought tolerance: Moderate
- Pests/Diseases: No pests or diseases of strong concern
- Growing conditions: A low maintenance and very adaptable plant, it can be grown in sunny or shady areas in a variety of soil types. Although it can manage dryness, the soil should be kept moist for the best results. It can grow aggressively at times, so make sure to keep an eye on it in case it needs to be cut back.
- Characteristics: The plant has a grass-like appearance, with upright stems and no branches. The leaves grow directly from the stem in an alternate pattern. These leaves are simple, thin, and long, with parallel veins and straight margins. The flowers, which emerge in groups at the ends of stems, are quite large (about one inch wide) and recognizable, with three circular bluish-purple petals and bright yellow stamens.
- Propagation: By seeds, root division, or stem cuttings.
- Wildlife: It is known to attract pollinators, especially bees.
- Facts: It has edible flowers and shoots. Fluid from the leaves can be used to soothe insect bites in a similar fashion to aloe vera. It is known to form hybrids with closely related species, with at least nine different species known to hybridize with it. The genus name comes from the botanist John Tradescant, gardener, and botanist for King Charles I of England.
- Designer considerations: It is a must-have for any wildflower garden due to its bright flowers and ability to attract bees. Additionally, its rapid growth and grassy look makes it an effective and attractive ground cover.