WSU Clark County Extension
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Spiderwort

Scientific name: Tradescantia andersoniana
Taxonomy
Family:Commelinaceae
Type:Herbaceous perennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 9
Sun:Partial shade
Moisture:Medium
Plant Characteristics
Height:2 ft
Width:2 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:May to July
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Spiderworts are grown for the white, pink or blue flowers whose buds each open for one day.

  Morphology:
Spiderworts are erect, clump-forming herbaceous perennials with fleshy flattened stems and grasslike leaves. Most cultivars grow to 2’ tall and as wide.

Flowering extends from May through July. The three-petaled flowers are about 1” across and borne in terminal umbels (flowers stems originate at the same point). Flowers typically open in the morning and close by mid-day.

  Adaptation:
Spiderworts do best in partial shade. They prefer moist, acidic, and compost amended soils. They can tolerate wet sites. During the summer months the foliage will die back.

  Pests:
No serious insect or disease problems.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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