Hands in the Dirt: Spiderwort

Photo and article by Donna Iverson 

It’s not the flashiest flower in the garden. But spiderwort (Tradescantia) has a lot to be said for it.
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Spiderwort is native to North America and acclimated to our soil and climate. It has grown from Maine to Texas for thousands of years.

Spiderwort is drought resistant and a great choice for the beginning gardener or one who lacks the proverbial green thumb. It tolerates many soil conditions and is low maintenance.
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Aesthetically, it shines with ephemeral blue-purple flowers atop grasslike leaves. This perennial wildflower blooms from late spring through early summer. 
As for pollinators, it attracts hummingbirds as well as bees and butterflies. It also is deer resistant. 

Spiderwort can be found in woodlands, meadows and along roadsides. It freely self sows and might be found in your yard, even if you didn’t plant it there. Seasoned gardeners call this a volunteer. 
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Its name is a bit of a mystery. Some say its leaves resemble a spiderweb.  Others claim that the milky substance that flows from its leaves when cut, resembles a spiderweb.

Spiderwort would work in a native wildflower garden, a pollinator garden, as an accent plant or in a garden featuring blue-flowered plants.  These include Virginia bluebells, lupine, phlox, salvia and iris. Spiderwort can also be grown inside in water.
Companion plants that are also easy to grow and would blend well with a spiderwort include coneflowers, bee balms, aster, and milkweed. All are pollinator friendly.

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