Virginia Spiderwort

(Tradescantia virginiana)

Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Tradescantia virginiana, commonly known as Virginia Spiderwort, is a deciduous perennial herb native to rich, moist woodlands and meadows in the Eastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 1 foot (0.3 meters) and spreads 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant features grass-like foliage and bears clusters of three-petaled flowers in various shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, which are quite showy and bloom from late spring to midsummer. The flowers are ephemeral, each lasting only one day, but the plant continues to produce new flowers over a long blooming period.

Virginia Spiderwort is valued for its charming flowers and its ability to thrive in shady garden spots where other flowers might struggle. It is often used in border plantings, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas. This plant prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to drier conditions once established. It is relatively low-maintenance, though it benefits from being cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Spiderwort can be susceptible to leaf spot and rust, particularly in humid conditions. It is easily propagated by seed, cuttings, or division, making it a good choice for gardeners looking to expand their plantings without additional cost.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2.5 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Rich, moist woodlands and meadows in the Eastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: White Spiderwort, Spider Lily, Widow’s-Tears, Spiderwort, Garten-Dreimasterblume, Virginische Dreimasterblume, Éphémère De Virginie, Tradescantie De Virginie, Eendagsbloem, Ängstremastarblomma, Tremastarblomma

Scientific Names: , Tradescantia virginiana, Tradescantia virginica, Tradescantia albida, Tradescantia brevicaulis, Tradescantia villosissima, Tradescantia virginiana var. alba, Tradescantia virginiana var. flexuosa, Tradescantia virginiana f. albiflora, Tradescantia axillaris

GBIF Accepted Name: Tradescantia virginiana L.