Tradescantia ernestiana typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.
spiderwort
Tradescantia ernestiana
Spiderwort (Tradescantia ernestiana) is a flowering perennial plant cultivar native to Colombia. The enchanting plant has long, pointed leaves with a silky feel, and produces dainty three-petaled flowers in a range of colors, from blue and purple to pink and white. It is best used to bring color to shaded, moist areas of the garden. Spiderwort is evergreen and easy to grow and maintain, making it a great choice for novice to experienced gardeners.
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 9
Flowers:
Rose-red to blue to deep purple Flowers
Sun:
part shade,part sun/part shade
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,purple
Growth Rate:
Low
Maintenance:
Moderate
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Indoors:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Spiderwort will only require occasional watering and should not be watered too often. Water this plant species once or twice per week when the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry. Make sure to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. It is best to water the plant early in the morning so that the foliage can dry out during the day and reduce the likelihood of disease.
sunlight
Spiderwort (Tradescantia ernestiana) prefers at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. This plant enjoys summer sun but should remain in partial shade during the hottest months of the season. If grown indoors, placing the plant near an east facing window would be most beneficial. Spiderwort should also not be exposed to intense afternoon summer sun which can burn the leaves.
pruning
For spiderwort, it is best to prune in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done lightly, removing any dead or damaged stems, and cutting back the plant by about 1/3 of its height. This will encourage bushier growth and more flowers throughout the season. It is important not to over prune, as this can damage the growth of the plant.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Tradescantia ernestiana 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.
