Question
Hi - I have 3 spiderworts that I started from bulb in the Spring.  (I live in zone 6).  2 are doing well, but 1 of them just wilted and is on the ground!  It doesn't look broken or damaged.  Do you know what might be happening?  I keep them in a shady area, and try to water only once a week.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Lilly,
Thanx for your question.  If by spiderwort you're talking about tradescantia  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tradescantia  these guys are pretty tough customers and can actually be invasive.  I've been trying to get rid of them for years and they grow wild here in the Kansas City area.  It sounds to me like you may have grubs or something bacterial going on with the roots.  There are also some rusts and other fungal diseases that affect tradescantia.  You might try a fungicide but it is my understanding that the rust is not treatable.  I would dig the wilted plant up and take a look at the roots.  If they are healthy, cut the top off of the plant and replant somewhere else.  I hope this helps.
Tom