Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) is a graceful, clump-forming perennial native to prairies and open woodlands across the Midwest. With its arching, grass-like foliage and delicate clusters of three-petaled violet-blue flowers, Spiderwort adds a soft, naturalistic touch to borders, cottage gardens, and native-plant landscapes. This spring-to-early-summer bloomer not only provides weeks of color but also attracts bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition for gardeners seeking both beauty and biodiversity.
Key Characteristics
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Flowering
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Blooms from late May through July
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Flowers open in the morning and often close by afternoon
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Petals: three broad, triangular, violet-blue with yellow stamens
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Foliage & Habit
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Basal clumps of narrow, arching leaves (12–24″ tall)
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Grass-like blades folded along the midrib, giving an elegant, upright texture
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Mature clump spreads to about 18–24″ across
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Seasonal Interest
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Striking flower display in late spring/early summer
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Attractive seed pods follow, adding textural interest
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Foliage remains attractive through summer; may benefit from a cut-back if foliage flags in late season
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Cultural Requirements
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Light
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Thrives in full sun to light shade
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In hot afternoon sun (zones 5–7), morning sun with afternoon shade helps preserve flower longevity
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Soil
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Prefers moist, well-drained soil
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Tolerates average garden soil; benefits from organic matter
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Avoid waterlogged conditions—good drainage is essential
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Water
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Keep soil evenly moist during establishment
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Once established, moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with supplemental water in dry spells
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Mulch around clumps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
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Hardiness
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USDA Zones 4–8
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Cold-hardy to –30°F; foliage may die back in winter and reemerge in spring
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Landscape Uses & Companion Plants
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Naturalized Meadows & Pollinator Gardens
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Combine with native grasses (e.g., Little Bluestem, Sporobolus heterolepis) for a prairie effect
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Mix with other spring-blooming natives: Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
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Cottage & Cutting Gardens
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Pair with soft-textured perennials like Astilbe, Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), and Salvia
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Use in mixed borders to bridge early-season shrubs and midsummer perennials
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Containers & Small Spaces
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Plant in troughs or large pots with companions such as Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ or Dianthus barbatus
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Provide height and a delicate, airy presence
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Seasonal Care & Maintenance
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Division & Planting
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Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate clumps and maintain vigor
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Space divisions 18–24″ apart to allow room for growth
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Deadheading & Cleanup
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Remove spent flowers to encourage tidier appearance; note that new blooms tend to open daily for several weeks
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In autumn, cut back dead foliage to ground level after the first hard frost
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Fertilization
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Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges
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Avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to floppy growth
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Pest & Disease Management
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Generally pest-free; watch for slugs in damp conditions
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Good air circulation minimizes risk of powdery mildew—avoid overhead watering
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Winter Protection
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In colder zones, add a light layer of mulch over the crown after ground freezes to insulate roots
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Remove mulch in early spring to prevent rot
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Why We Love Spiderwort at Heritage Hill Nursery
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Low-Maintenance Beauty: With minimal pruning and moderate water needs, Spiderwort rewards gardeners with a reliable, long-lasting bloom.
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Wildlife Magnet: Its morning-opening flowers are irresistible to native bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes.
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Versatility: Whether planted in a meadow mix, border, or container, Ohio Spiderwort complements a wide palette of perennials and grasses.