Spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata)

**Durgan** · 06-06-2009, 11:24 AM

Spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata)
http://www.durgan.org/URL/?Spiderwort 6 June 2009 Spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata)
There are four of this plant in different places in the garden. The plant in full Sun and relatively dry seems to grow the best.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-06-2009, 12:23 PM

How large does the plant tend to sprawl? How far apart would you plant them from each other? They look like awesome foundation border plants for the front of my house (which gets a ton of sun).

**Sassyclass** · 06-06-2009, 12:50 PM

Wow, what a gorgeous color. I've heard of this plant but had no idea it bloomed such beautiful flowers. Thanks.

Cat

**Durgan** · 06-06-2009, 04:26 PM

In zones below 5 the plant is basically a clump that doesn't spread excessively from year to year. In some of the warmer zones the spiderwort is invasive. The grass-like vegetation tends to get ragged later in the season, so it is probably best planted in the background. It is decidedly attractive in early Summer or late Spring. The plant requires almost no care.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-06-2009, 06:59 PM

I think you've just sold me on getting some for the background of our flower garden for next year. We're in a 3a/3b climate, so it would be perfect for us!

**frugalfranny** · 06-06-2009, 07:59 PM

Very pretty Durgan.......have had them and they weren't invasive here.

Got the 'golden foliage' one last year by a mistake made by the nursery. It was marked as a red hot poker and I thought I had a real score with new foliage and new plant........turned out to be mis-marked......and a spiderwort. Another mistake enters my garden!!

**shortstack** · 06-06-2009, 10:31 PM

I have this growing in 3 seperate spots in my yard. You can not kill it and it's beautiful. I have it growing in full sun, as well as full shade (under large Oak Trees) and it does equally well in both places. I personally would not plant it close to anything because it tends to get bigger and spread.
I usually cut mine to down about 3/4 inches tall about midway through summer when it starts to droop and it grows back beautiful with a new set of flowers.

Andrea

**MomToTwoBoys** · 06-07-2009, 11:57 AM

Where can you purchase this plant at? Any local nursery? We have a garden center near my house, but I doubt they'll have it. I can go take a look later today, though.

**happimommi** · 06-07-2009, 12:23 PM

You REALLY can not kill this plant. I have tried to get rid of it and it just does not go away. Thought it was a weed and dug it up, came back next spring. Tried again and its back again.

**blitzen** · 06-08-2009, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by MomToTwoBoys

Where can you purchase this plant at? Any local nursery? We have a garden center near my house, but I doubt they'll have it. I can go take a look later today, though.

I bought mine from Spring Hill nursery and Bluestone Perennials. I got two different varieties: Osprey (from Bluestone) and the other one is called "Blushing Bride" I think. It has really cool looking leaves. I get most of my plants through mail order--better selection than the garden center and Lowe's.