General Culture:

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in part shade to full shade. Prefers moist, acidic soils. Tolerant of poor soils. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded. Foliage declines after flowering and should then be cut back almost to the ground to encourage new growth and a possible fall bloom. Can self-seed and spread in ideal growing conditions.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This species of spiderwort is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial which grows up to 3' tall. Distinctive zigzag stems (hence the common name) and broader leaves distinguish this plant from the very similar Tradescantia virginiana (M630). Violet-blue to purple, three-petaled flowers (.75-1.5" diameter) accented by contrasting yellow stamens open up, a few at a time, each for only one day, from terminal clusters (umbels) containing numerous flower buds. Flowers bloom in succession from late May into early August. Arching, iris-like, dark green leaves up to 10" long and 2" wide are folded lengthwise forming a groove. A Missouri native plant that is commonly found in rich woods in the east-central part of the State. When the stems of spiderworts are cut, a viscous stem secretion is released which becomes threadlike and silky upon hardening (like a spider's web), hence the common name.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems. Young shoots are susceptible to snail damage. Foliage sprawls in an unattractive manner by mid-summer.

Uses:

An interesting and long-blooming perennial for native plant gardens, woodland or shade gardens, wild gardens or naturalized areas. Also can be grown in borders, but mid-summer foliage decline is a potential disincentive for this placement.

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