Tradescantia occidentalis (Prairie Spiderwort)
An eye-catching addition to the landscape, Tradescantia occidentalis (Prairie Spiderwort) is a vigorous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with long, arching, narrow leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm). From early to midsummer, the foliage is topped by small clusters of three-petaled, blue-violet flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with showy yellow stamens.
An eye-catching addition to the landscape, Tradescantia occidentalis (Prairie Spiderwort) is a vigorous, clump-forming herbaceous perennial with long, arching, narrow leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm). From early to midsummer, the foliage is topped by small clusters of three-petaled, blue-violet flowers, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), adorned with showy yellow stamens. Blooming in succession, each flower lasts only a day, but there is such an abundance of flower buds that this plant is rarely out of blooms. Valued by native bees, this charming wildflower provides attractive seasonal color in shady or sunny areas.
- Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45cm). This plant may self-sow aggressively in optimum growing conditions and become invasive.
- Easily grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in sun or shade. Flower production will decrease in too much shade. Some drought tolerance.
- Great for beds and borders, woodland gardens or as a groundcover under trees.
- No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, mealy bugs. Deer resistant.
- After flowering, cut back flowered stems to prevent seeding and to encourage further flowers.
- Propagate by cuttings.
- Native from Minnesota to Louisiana.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Tradescantia – Spiderworts |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid) |
| Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12″ – 18″ (30cm – 45cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, New Jersey, New York, Rocky Mountains, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Southeast, Arkansas, Louisiana, Southwest, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
| Tolerance | Deer, Drought |
| Attracts | Bees |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |