prairie spiderwort
Tradescantia occidentalis
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink , purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Prairie spiderwort (Tradescantia occidentalis) is a perennial for borders, meadows, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Each flower closes by mid-day and lasts only one day, and bees visit the pink and purple blooms. Protect young growth from slugs.
Pairs well with Lanceleaf coreopsis, Smooth aster, Coneflower, and Colorado blue columbine.
Native range
AR, AZ, CO, IA, and 17 more places. See all 21
AR, AZ, CO, IA, KS, LA, MN, MT, ND, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OK, SD, TX, UT, WI, WY; AB, MB, and SK.