Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) Sweet Kate (Spider Lily)
Noted for its luminous chartreuse foliage, Tradescantia ‘Sweet Kate’ (Spider Lily) is a compact clump-forming perennial with narrowly lance-shaped bright golden-yellow leaves. From late spring to midsummer, the foliage is topped by small clusters of three-petaled, violet-blue flowers, up to 1.5 in. across (4 cm), adorned with showy yellow stamens.
Noted for its luminous chartreuse foliage, Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate' (Spider Lily) is a compact clump-forming perennial with narrowly lance-shaped bright golden-yellow leaves. From late spring to midsummer, the foliage is topped by small clusters of three-petaled, violet-blue flowers, up to 1.5 in. across (4 cm), adorned with showy yellow stamens. The purple flowers make an eye-popping contrast with the shimmering yellow leaves. Blooming in succession for about 8 weeks, each flower lasts only a day, but there is such an abundance of flower buds that this plant is rarely out of bloom.
- Grows up to 9-12 in. tall and wide (22-30 cm).
- Easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in sun or shade. The best yellow foliage color is obtained in full sun.
- Great for beds and borders, city gardens, cottage gardens, or coastal gardens.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- After flowering, cut back flowered stems to prevent seeding and encourage further flowers.
- Propagate by division in spring or autumn.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 5 – 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Tradescantia – Spiderworts |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid) |
| Height | 9" – 11" (22cm – 28cm) |
| Spread | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
| Spacing | 9″ – 12″ (22cm – 30cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |