General Culture:

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Very tolerant of part shade, but bloom may be less profuse. Prefers moist, acidic, sandy soil. Divide clumps when they become overcrowded. Cut back to 6-12" in mid-summer to encourage new growth and a possible fall bloom.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This species of spiderwort is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial which grows up to 3' tall with dark bluish-green, arching, grass-like leaves up to 1.5' long and 1.75" wide which are folded lengthwise forming a channel or groove. Clusters of blue (less frequently rose), three-petaled flowers (0.75-1.5" diameter) bloom from late May into early July. Each flower opens up for only one day. Can self-seed and become somewhat aggressive in ideal growing conditions. A Missouri native plant that is commonly found in prairies, wood margins, meadows, along roadsides, or in waste areas.

Problems:

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

Uses:

An interesting and long-blooming perennial for the border, naturalized area, meadow or open spaces of the woodland garden.

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