Spiderwort Tradescantia x andersoniana

A hardy, herbaceous perennial, spiderwort is in the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae) and is grown for its showy blooms and foliage. It is the most common spiderwort in cultivation and is a putative hybrid between the common spiderwort (T. virginiana) and the Ohio spiderwort (T. ohiensis). Many plants cultivated under the name T. virginiana are, in fact, this hybrid, and even trained professionals have difficulty distinguishing the hybrid from its putative parents. The hybrid epithet is not recognized as validly published, but it is commonly used in the trade. The hybrid epithet honors Edgar S. Anderson (1897–1969), an American botanist who studied the group and published extensively on its cytology and taxonomy.

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.

This hybrid has 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.

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.