spiderwort
Tradescantia ernestiana
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles partial shade to full shade
WaterHandles moderate or wet soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring
- Bloom color
- Rose-red to blue to deep purple
Garden uses
Notes
Spiderwort (Tradescantia ernestiana) is a perennial for naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes part to full shade and average to wet soil. It grows 12 to 24 inches tall and wide. Its rose-red to blue to deep purple flowers open from early to late spring. Spiderworts hybridize easily with other Tradescantia, so plant them away from other kinds if you want them to stay true.
Pairs well with May-apple, Lady in Red lady fern, and Allegheny spurge.
Native range
Central United States.