Species spiderwort
blue flowers with blue filaments, yellow anthers and lime-green leaves

spiderwort

Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Little Doll'

Spiderwort (Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Little Doll') is a perennial flowering plant that is known for its colorful and vibrant foliage. Its green leaves have striking purple and white variegation, while its dainty white flowers cover the foliage generously. Growing to a height of 12 inches, it's an ideal choice for small areas or containers. It's easy to care for as it needs minimal water and prefers light and humid conditions. It's a perfect choice for adding a pop of color indoors or in shady outdoor areas.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Stem Propagation,Leaf Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Light blue Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Spiderwort should be watered approximately once a week when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch and appears pale in color. Water immediately after the soil has dried to ensure that the roots draw in just enough to become hydrated and for the plant to grow comfortably. When watering your spiderwort, make sure to provide enough water to saturate the soil but not to the point of runoff. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot and should be avoided with this plant species.

sunlight

Spiderwort (Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Little Doll') prefer to be in an area with bright indirect sunlight for about 4-6 hours a day. Giving them too much direct sunlight can cause their leaves to burn or curl. To ensure this plant receives enough sunshine, place it in a south- or east-facing window to receive morning sun and shade from the hot afternoon rays.

pruning

Pruning spiderwort plants can improve their appearance, encourage new growth, and promote flowering. Pruning should take place in the early spring before new growth emerges. Trim off any dead or diseased stems and any of the leggy, floppy stems. Pruning back the leggy stems will promote the new growth of shorter, bushier stems. For spiderwort, it is best not to remove more than 1-third to 1-half of the stems to avoid shock and ensure growth for the rest of the season. Depending on the size of the plant, gardeners may want to remove any dead or diseased stems yearly and more aggressively prune once every 1-2 years to promote dense bushy growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Little Doll' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Little Doll' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Do spiderwort plants require a specific soil type?

Spiderwort plants generally grow best in soils that are rich in organic matter and have good drainage. Sandy soils with a pH of 6-7 and plenty of added compost or manure are ideal for spiderwort. Spiderwort can tolerate poor soils, but optimal growth will be achieved in softer, loamy soils with more organic content. It is important to avoid overly wet soils as this can cause root rot or other problems with the plant.

Do spiderwort plants have any unique growth patterns?

Spiderwort plants have a unique growth pattern, called "spiderlings," where many small, baby-like plants grow out of the stems, just above the soil line. As the baby plants get bigger, they drop off and take root on their own. This helps the parent plant spread and propagate quickly and easily. Spiderworts also have pointed leaves with veins that run in a web-like pattern which is quite unique.

Are spiderwort flowers fragrant?

No, spiderwort flowers are not typically fragrant. The flowers have a small, star-like shape and can be found in a variety of colors, including purple, white and lavender. The flowers are known for their long-lasting beauty, but are not typically considered to be fragrant.

Could spiderwort be used as a border plant in a garden?

Yes, spiderwort can be used as a border plant in a garden. These bright and vibrant plants make ideal borders because they can grow up to two feet in height and have a mound-like shape. Additionally, when the purplish-blue flowers bloom, they create a stunning effect that attracts pollinators and beautifies any garden. Spiderwort is also known to be a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil and lighting conditions, which makes it an ideal choice for garden borders.

Could spiderwort be grown as a houseplant?

Yes, spiderwort is a great option for a houseplant! Spiderwort is a tiny, low-maintenance perennial that is native to North America. It has small clusters of three-petaled flowers that come in various shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. This plant grows quickly and has the potential to bloom multiple times throughout the year when given the right environment. It can easily be grown as an indoor houseplant with shallow pots, a bright location, and moist soil. With proper care, spiderwort will happily add a pop of color and texture to any indoor room or office space.

Do spiderwort plants spread rapidly?

Yes, spiderwort plants spread rapidly. They are considered to be somewhat invasive and are capable of quickly taking over an area. The flowers of the spiderwort plant can self-pollinate, creating more flowers and more seeds, which helps the plant spread. Spiderwort plant roots also help it spread by growing deeper than those of regular plants, allowing them to capture nutrients from further down in the soil. Additionally, the spiderwort plant spreads through rhizomes, which is an underground stem that sends up shoots above the ground. All of these mechanisms combined make spiderwort a very fast spreading plant.

Is spiderwort suitable for rooftop gardens?

Yes, spiderwort is suitable for rooftop gardens because it is drought tolerant and easily adaptable to a wide range of soil types. It grows best in partial shade, does not require much fertilizer or maintenance, and is tolerant of cold temperatures. Spiderwort is also a low-maintenance flowering plant, meaning it will add color and interest to a rooftop garden with minimal effort required.