General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: |
Herb/Forb
|
Life cycle: |
Perennial
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Sun Requirements: |
Full Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Partial or Dappled Shade
Partial Shade to Full Shade
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Water Preferences: |
Mesic
Dry Mesic
Dry
|
Soil pH Preferences: |
Neutral (6.6 – 7.3)
|
Minimum cold hardiness: |
Zone 4a -34.4 °C (-30 °F) to -31.7 °C (-25 °F)
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Maximum recommended zone: |
Zone 9b
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Plant Height: |
24-36 inches |
Plant Spread: |
12-18 inches |
Leaves: |
Unusual foliage color
Spring ephemeral
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Fruit: |
Dehiscent
Other: 3-sectioned capsule
|
Fruiting Time: |
Summer
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Flowers: |
Showy
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Flower Color: |
Blue
Lavender
Pink
Purple
White
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Bloom Size: |
1"-2"
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Flower Time: |
Spring
Late spring or early summer
Summer
|
Underground structures: |
Rhizome
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Uses: |
Will Naturalize
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Wildlife Attractant: |
Bees
Butterflies
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Resistances: |
Humidity tolerant
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Propagation: Seeds: |
Self fertile
Stratify seeds: 3 months at 40 degrees
Seeds are hydrophilic
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Propagation: Other methods: |
Cuttings: Root
Division
|
- Spiderwort
- Virginia Spiderwort
- Spider Lily
- Lady's Tears
- Accepted: Tradescantia virginiana
- Synonym: Tradescantia albida
- Synonym: Tradescantia axillaris
- Synonym: Tradescantia virginica
- Synonym: Tradescantia congesta
Posted by
Catmint20906 (PNW WA half hour south of Olympia - Zone 8a) on Aug 27, 2014 4:08 PM concerning plant:
Virginia spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) produces purple blossoms in the late spring to early summer. Reaching up to 3 feet tall, it likes average to moist soil and part sun. Native to eastern North America, it is a nectar source for butterflies and has special value to native and bumble bees. In my zone 7a garden, it is mildly aggressive and its deep roots make it a chore to dig up.
Posted by
Chillybean (Iowa - Zone 5a) on Jul 22, 2015 6:15 PM concerning plant:
This plant also goes by the common names of Cow Slobber and Snotweed. I already have an abundance of Ohio Spiderwort in a wetter area of our property. I planted the bare roots for the Virginia near our Prairie-to-be in early April. They came up nicely and I was very surprised and pleased that they bloomed. What a gorgeous, deep purple! My favourite colour!
If I had any disappointments, it is the fact that after their time of blooming, leaves and all died. There is absolutely no sign of their existence. I do not know if this is usual or not, but I'll be watching for them next spring. They have a chance as they are earlier than many of the weeds I have to battle. I hope the Cow Slobber flourishes as much as the Ohio variety.
Posted by
Catmint20906 (PNW WA half hour south of Olympia - Zone 8a) on Aug 2, 2014 7:28 PM concerning plant:
According to the NPIN, Tradescantia virginiana has special value to native & bumble bees.
Posted by
Mindy03 (Delta KY) on Feb 12, 2012 12:32 PM concerning plant:
Honey bees get nectar and pollen from this plant.
Posted by
jmorth (central Illinois) on Feb 7, 2014 6:08 PM concerning plant:
Leaves (tea or salad) and seeds are edible.
Plant Events from our members
Catmint20906 |
On May 13, 2015 |
Bloomed |
WebTucker |
On March 12, 2022 |
Bloomed |
dnrevel |
On April 12, 2023 |
Plant emerged I have one area in the front yard that I am allowing this plant, which tends to be aggressive, to continue growing. Front yard by sweet peas, south side of house. |
» Post your own event for this plant
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