Spiderwort Planting and Growth Guide: Tips for a Flourishing Garden Addition

Perennials that are low-maintenance and grow effortlessly adorn themselves with tiny yet bountiful blooms all through the summer season.

Perennial spiderworts are great companion plants with their simple foliage and small flowers that bloom for up to three months. They are hardy in Zones 4-11 and are available in both tropical and perennial options. There are many buds per stalk, and a few blooms in each cluster are open simultaneously, but all blooms are open for a single day. Spiderworts are not known for their showy blooms, but they make up for it with quantity. ‘Bilberry Ice’ Spiderwort is a common type, and they come in colors such as blue, pink, purple, and white.

Spiderworts can handle partial shade and full sun exposure, making them an excellent choice for planting along walkways or garden edging. They tolerate moisture well and thrive in woodland settings, rain gardens, or by ponds. Plant them in the spring, ensuring that they have at least one foot between them to grow.

Spiderworts are easy-care plants that grow well in various environments. They do well in most light exposures, but more sunlight yields better blooms. They prefer humusy, well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic and stays somewhat moist. If you live in a rainy climate, your plants won’t need additional watering, but if the weather is dry, water plants weekly. Spiderwort thrives in humidity but doesn’t need additional moisture if grown in a dry climate.

Spiderworts can look ragged after blooming, so pruning is necessary to keep them looking healthy. Shearing the plant back mid-season will promote more blooms and reduce self-sowing, preventing them from becoming invasive. Spiderworts are usually susceptible to leaf spot, which can cause the foliage to yellow and decline. Divide clumps in the fall or early spring for replanting.

In conclusion, perennial spiderworts are versatile, easy-care plants with a long blooming period that makes them perfect for any garden. They’re available in various types and colors, making them a great addition to any landscape.

Jay Wilde recommends the Tradescantia ‘Bilberry Ice’ plant for its charming white flowers with a touch of lavender-purple at the center. This variety grows up to 2 feet tall and blooms in the beginning of summer. It is suitable for planting in zones 4-9. Additionally, he suggests the ‘Sweet Kate’ Spiderwort as another great option.

Meet Greg Scheidemann, a plant enthusiast who is excited to introduce you to the stunning Tradescantia ‘Sweet Kate’. This plant boasts vibrant yellow foliage that emerges in late spring and is complemented by dramatic purple flowers. It can grow up to 15 inches tall and thrives in Zones 4-8. Another great option is the ‘Innocence’ Spiderwort, which is definitely worth considering for your garden.

Looking for a beautiful and unique plant to add to your garden? Check out the Tradescantia ‘Innocence’, also known as the White Spiderwort. This stunning plant produces pure white flowers during the early to midsummer season, and can grow up to 2 feet tall and wide. It’s perfect for zones 4-9 gardens. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add this beauty to your outdoor space!

Meet Greg Ryan who introduces us to the Tradescantia x andersoniana plant. It boasts grassy leaves that embrace fleshy stems while clusters of buds in various hues of purple, pink, and white rest atop the stems. These buds bloom into stunning jewel-tone flowers that only last for a day. This plant can grow as tall as 3 feet and is suitable for zones 5-9. Additionally, the Spiderwort looks great when paired with Coreopsis.

Meet the ever-blooming coreopsis! This plant boasts daisy-like flowers in a cheerful yellow hue that butterflies simply can’t resist. With different varieties, you might also find golden-yellow, pale yellow, pink, or even bicolor blooms that will light up your garden. What’s more, these flowers will keep coming back from early to midsummer and beyond, provided that they are regularly deadheaded. Perfect for zones 3-9.
Another delightful option is the Lady’s Mantle.

Matthew Benson thinks that lady’s mantle is a wonderful addition to any garden, as its chartreuse flowers form beautiful clusters above the leaves. This plant works well for creating a groundcover in areas with dappled shade or softening the edges of a shaded path. It grows best in zones 3 to 7.

Cynthia Haynes suggests that vigorous growers can add beauty to your garden. They come in different forms, from tall and stately plants suitable for borders to creeping groundcovers. The flowers are tight spikes of 1/2-inch to 1-inch cups carried alone or in whorls. However, some of these plants may become invasive and require control measures. It is important to note that these plants are not the purple loosestrife, which is banned in many parts of the United States. For a lush woodland garden, you can combine soft-textured, shade-loving plants to create a naturalistic bed of blooms and foliage.