Items 1 to 12 of 12 total
Items 1 to 12 of 12 total
Spiderwort
About Spiderwort
Genus
Tradescantia
Species
Multiple species, common ones include Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort), Tradescantia ohiensis (Ohio Spiderwort), and others.
Family
Commelinaceae
Common Names:
Dayflower, Widow's Tears
Native To:
Eastern and Central North America
Plant Type:
Houseplants
Foliage Type:
Deciduous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
4 - 9
Flower Color:
Blue, purple, violet, pink, white (varies by species and cultivar)
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to mid-summer
Growth Habit:
Clump-forming, with arching grass-like leaves and upright flower stalks
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
Tolerates:
Heat, humidity, partial shade
Resists:
Deer, drought (to some extent)
Where To Grow Spiderwort Indoors
Spiderwort captivates with its arching leaves, varied colors, and ephemeral three-petaled flowers that appear on some outdoor varieties. Some types form tidy clumps topped by morning-blooming petals, while others trail gracefully in decorative pots. This plant’s wide range of hues and growth habits give it a prominent role in any garden or houseplant collection.
Indoors, tropical spiderwort thrives in hanging baskets or elevated planters, where its eye-catching foliage cascades in full display. Single specimens also work well on a bright windowsill, offering a subtle show of texture in any season. In the landscape, hardy species liven up perennial beds or damp woodlands with their clusters of small flowers and grasslike foliage. A few plants can be grouped near a pond or stream, softening edges with arching leaves and color.
Spiderwort Care
Plant spiderwort in rich, well-draining soil, spacing each clump to accommodate the plant’s naturally spreading roots. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Feed established clumps once in spring with a balanced fertilizer to support healthy growth and seasonal blooms. Depending on the variety, pick a spot with partial sun or bright shade to maintain robust foliage.
Cut back older stems when they appear scraggly, encouraging fresh shoots and occasional repeat blooms later in the growing season. Mulch hardy spiderwort in colder regions or move tropical types indoors to avoid damage from frost. Once winter arrives, water sparingly and trim away any faded stems to keep the plant looking tidy. When grown in containers, repot gradually every couple of years as roots fill the pot.
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