Species spiderwort
yellow-green leaves

spiderwort

Tradescantia 'Lucky Charm'

Spiderwort (Tradescantia 'Lucky Charm') is an attractive, evergreen perennial with multicolored foliage of variegated green, pink and white. It features a long-blooming, airy habit and is easily grown in any soil. The small spider-like flowers in shades of blue and lavender, combined with its striking foliage, make it a favorite amongst gardeners. The Spiderwort is a low-maintenance plant, thriving in full sun, partial shade and partial sun conditions. Trim back after flowering to encourage vigorous growth and bright foliage. Perfect for borders, flowerbeds and containers, this showstopper also looks great in mass plantings or in a rock garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Violet-blue Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Indoors:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Spiderwort should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Depending on your climate and the type of soil used, you should water the plant every 1-2 weeks during the growing season and every 3-4 weeks during the winter. If it is potted, be sure to water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. If planted in the ground, check the soil to a depth of 2-3 inches to determine whether the spiderwort needs more water. If the soil is dry during the growing season, water the plant deeply and completely.

sunlight

Spiderwort (Tradescantia 'Lucky Charm') should receive bright, indirect sunlight for a minimum of 4 hours per day. Direct sun during the heat of the day can be too intense, so placing the plant in a location that receives partial shade or bright indirect light is best. In addition, Spiderwort also prefers some morning sunlight. If your home or desired placement area does not receive enough sunlight, supplementing with artificial lighting is recommended.

pruning

Spiderwort (Tradescantia 'Lucky Charm') should only be pruned lightly, just enough to tidy up the plant and remove any damaged or dead foliage. Pruning should take place in spring and summer, just after it blooms, to encourage new growth and keep the plant shapely. It is best to remove only 2-3 inches off the top of the stems, as too much pruning will reduce the amount of blooms the plant produces the following season. It should also be avoided pruning too late into summer or autumn as this can reduce the number of flower buds that will form for the following spring blooms.

Season

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

Tradescantia 'Lucky Charm' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Tradescantia 'Lucky Charm' 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.