small-leaf spiderwort
Tradescantia fluminensis
USDA zones9 to 12
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size6 to 9 inches tall9 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Cascading
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender, variegated, white
- Soil types
- Loam
Garden uses
Notes
Small-leaf spiderwort (Tradescantia fluminensis) is a perennial for containers. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, loamy soil. It grows fast and trails over the edge of a pot. The evergreen leaves can be green, purple, or variegated, and small white flowers appear in spring, summer, and autumn.
Pairs well with Staghorn fern, Dragon Wing Red begonia, and Papyrus.
Native range
Southeastern Brazil.