Spiderwort Hybrids (Tradescantia × andersoniana): All-Summer Color for Shade & Sun

Few perennials bloom from early summer to frost with so little fuss. Spiderwort hybrids (Tradescantia × andersoniana) deliver daily fresh flowers in a rainbow of blues, purples, pinks, and whites—each blossom lasts one day, but the succession goes on for weeks. Hardy to Zone 4 (Zone 5 reliably), they're a shade-garden staple that earns its keep.

Origins & Habit

Complex hybrids of three U.S. natives (T. ohiensis, T. virginiana, T. subaspera). Clump-forming, 18–24 inches tall, with narrow strap-like leaves. Terminal clusters of 1-inch, three-petaled flowers with fuzzy yellow stamens. Individual flowers last one day; new ones open daily for 6–8 weeks.

Culture Cheat Sheet

• Soil: Any well-drained—acid, alkaline, clay, sand.
• Light: North = full sun for best bloom. South = afternoon shade prevents leaf scorch.
• Water: Average; tolerates dry spells once established.
• Maintenance: Deadhead to prevent seeding (can be aggressive self-sowers). Cut back after first flush for rebloom in warm zones.
• Division: Spring or fall; regenerates from root fragments.

Cultivar Gallery: Color & Foliage

Blues & Purples

• 'Zwanenberg Blue' – Large deep blue flowers. Similar: 'Blue Stone'.
• 'Leonora' – Purple tones.
• 'Purple Dome' – Rich purple.
• 'J.C. Weguelin' – Light lavender-purple.
• 'Purple Profusion' – Pale lavender.
• 'Iris Pritchard' – Best light blue (hard to find).

Reds & Pinks

• 'Rubra' – Original reddish-pink, smaller flowers.
• 'Red Cloud' – 50% larger flowers, modern improvement.
• 'Carmine Glow' – Similar to 'Red Cloud'.
• 'Valour', 'Pauline', 'Charlotte' – Clear pink.

Whites & Pastels

• 'Alba' – Original white, small flowers.
• 'Snow Cap' – Larger white flowers.
• 'Innocence' – Largest flowers of any spiderwort.
• 'Osprey' – White tinted purple-blue.
• 'Bilberry Ice' – White tinted lavender.
• 'Pink Chablis' – White tinted pink.

Dwarfs (12 inches / 30 cm)

• 'Satin Doll' – Bright pink.
• 'Little Doll' – Light lavender.
• 'Little White Doll' – White.

Finer foliage; perfect for rock gardens and border edges.

Foliage Stars

• 'Sweet Kate' (syn. 'Blue and Gold') – Brilliant yellow leaves + deep blue flowers. Showstopper.
• 'Concord Grape' – Purple flowers, blue-green leaves.
• 'Red Grape' – Dark reddish-pink flowers, blue-green leaves.
• 'Hawaiian Punch' – Bright reddish-pink, blue-green leaves.
• 'Perrine's Pink' – Bright pink, blue-green leaves.

Volunteer Seedlings = Free New Cultivars

Self-sown seedlings often differ from parents. The author tracks a promising light pink seedling—potential new introduction. Deadhead if you want purity; let a few seed if you enjoy surprises.

Why They Deserve a Spot

Spiderworts don't explode like peonies or phlox, but their relentless daily renewal from June to September fills gaps when other perennials rest. Deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly, and adaptable—they're the quiet workhorse every shade border needs.

Originally published March 12, 2008. Photos by the author.