Virginia spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size1.5 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Blue to violet-blue, rarely rose or white
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Virginia spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is a perennial for borders, meadows, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. 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 wet soil of most types. Each blue to violet-blue flower opens in the morning and lasts only one day. Bees visit the blooms, and the clump keeps making new flowers through spring.
Pairs well with Wild bergamot, Indian grass, and Royal fern.
Native range
Eastern United States.