Spiderwort

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

• Flowering

  • Blooms from late May through July

  • Flowers open in the morning and often close by afternoon

  • Petals: three broad, triangular, violet-blue with yellow stamens

• Foliage & Habit

  • Basal clumps of narrow, arching leaves (12–24″ tall)

  • Grass-like blades folded along the midrib, giving an elegant, upright texture

  • Mature clump spreads to about 18–24″ across

• Seasonal Interest

  • Striking flower display in late spring/early summer

  • Attractive seed pods follow, adding textural interest

  • Foliage remains attractive through summer; may benefit from a cut-back if foliage flags in late season

Cultural Requirements

• Light

  • Thrives in full sun to light shade

  • In hot afternoon sun (zones 5–7), morning sun with afternoon shade helps preserve flower longevity

• Soil

  • Prefers moist, well-drained soil

  • Tolerates average garden soil; benefits from organic matter

  • Avoid waterlogged conditions—good drainage is essential

• Water

  • Keep soil evenly moist during establishment

  • Once established, moderately drought-tolerant but performs best with supplemental water in dry spells

  • Mulch around clumps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds

• Hardiness

  • USDA Zones 4–8

  • Cold-hardy to –30°F; foliage may die back in winter and reemerge in spring

Landscape Uses & Companion Plants

• Naturalized Meadows & Pollinator Gardens

  • Combine with native grasses (e.g., Little Bluestem, Sporobolus heterolepis) for a prairie effect

  • Mix with other spring-blooming natives: Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)

• Cottage & Cutting Gardens

  • Pair with soft-textured perennials like Astilbe, Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), and Salvia

  • Use in mixed borders to bridge early-season shrubs and midsummer perennials

• Containers & Small Spaces

  • Plant in troughs or large pots with companions such as Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’ or Dianthus barbatus

  • Provide height and a delicate, airy presence

Seasonal Care & Maintenance

1. Division & Planting

   • Divide every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate clumps and maintain vigor

   • Space divisions 18–24″ apart to allow room for growth

2. Deadheading & Cleanup

   • Remove spent flowers to encourage tidier appearance; note that new blooms tend to open daily for several weeks

   • In autumn, cut back dead foliage to ground level after the first hard frost

3. Fertilization

   • Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges

   • Avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to floppy growth

4. Pest & Disease Management

   • Generally pest-free; watch for slugs in damp conditions

   • Good air circulation minimizes risk of powdery mildew—avoid overhead watering

5. Winter Protection

   • In colder zones, add a light layer of mulch over the crown after ground freezes to insulate roots

   • Remove mulch in early spring to prevent rot

Why We Love Spiderwort at Heritage Hill Nursery

• Low-Maintenance Beauty: With minimal pruning and moderate water needs, Spiderwort rewards gardeners with a reliable, long-lasting bloom.

• Wildlife Magnet: Its morning-opening flowers are irresistible to native bees, making it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes.

• Versatility: Whether planted in a meadow mix, border, or container, Ohio Spiderwort complements a wide palette of perennials and grasses.