Species spiderwort

spiderwort

Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Snowcap'

Spiderwort (Tradescantia 'Snowcap') is a striking perennial that produces fragrant, star-shaped white flowers in profusion on sturdy, branching stems. Its spiral-shaped, broad, and fleshy leaves come in shades of bluish-green and purple and spread outward in a dense, grassy-like clump. Blooms appear in late spring and continue into early summer, attracting both hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Spiderwort requires light shade to full sun, prolific water, and fertilizer to bring out its beauty. Perfect in mixed borders and beds, this low-maintenance beauty makes a delightful addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,white

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Water your Spiderwort 'Snowcap' when the soil is dry 1-2 inches deep. If you stick your finger into the soil and it feels dry, water it deeply. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water using the "drench and don't trickle" method. Always water in the morning or early evening so the foliage has time to dry before nightfall. Do not let the soil remain soggy for too long as this can cause root rot. You should water your Spiderwort 'Snowcap' about once a week, depending on the environment, temperature, and humidity levels.

sunlight

Spiderwort requires full sun to partial shade. It should be exposed to 5 to 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimum growth. A spot that gets direct morning light and protection from hotter afternoon sun is ideal for this plant species. Spiderwort can also tolerate some shade, but it will flower better in full sun.

pruning

Spiderwort requires minimal pruning overall. Its response to too much cutting back is rather poor. Generally, the best time to prune a spiderwort is in spring, shortly after flowering has ended. This will help with the aesthetics of the plant, and it will also encourage healthy growth. It is important to only remove dead or damaged parts of the plant to help avoid over-pruning. If insects or other pests become an issue, then removing the affected parts of the plant as soon as possible is recommended.

Season

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

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

Starts Flowering

Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Snowcap' 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.