Tradescantia x andersoniana

A hardy perennial, spiderwort is in the Commelinaceae (dayflower) family and is grown for its showy blooms and foliage.  Native to the northeastern part of the U.S.A., it is the most common spiderwort in cultivation. The name spiderwort comes from the stem secretion that is produced when the stem is cut.  When it hardens, it becomes threadlike, and thought to resemble a spiders web.

Many of this species have flowers that will open in the morning and close if subject to afternoon sunshine.  They may remain open for a longer period of time if the weather is cloudy, or until the evening. Its leaves are strap-like and range from 12" to 18" long. The flowers are 3 parted, with spidery hairs on the stamens.

Spiderwort blooms for a long period through the summer. Deadheading spent flowers will extend the bloom period.  When planted in locations that experience hot summers, the foliage will decline and flowering can stop completely.  That is an excellent time to cut back hard.  Cutting to the ground will allow the plant to produce new foliage and even a late summer into fall bloom.

Cultivars with various heights, flower size and flower colors are available.  Grow in a container as a houseplant, hanging basket or patio plant. The plant can become somewhat unattractive in the landscape in mid-summer.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Snails and caterpillars can damage young shoots.  Individual blooms last only one day.