Tradescantia Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 27th Oct 2023
In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Tradescantia plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.
- Plant Characteristics: Tradescantia boasts vibrant, three-petaled flowers and trailing foliage. Their striking appearance and versatility make them a favorite among gardeners.
- Ideal Growing Conditions: These plants thrive in well-draining soil, partial to full shade, and can tolerate a variety of moisture levels, from dry to wet.
- General Care: Water regularly but ensure soil doesn't become soggy. Prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Tips for New Gardeners: Spiderworts are forgiving and adaptable, making them perfect for beginners. Monitor for root rot in overly wet conditions. A little pruning can go a long way in maintaining a lush appearance.
Spiderwort, Wandering Jew, and Trinity flower: Cultivation & Garden Use
Tradescantia are grown in the garden as hardy or half hardy perennials.
They range in height from 30 to 90 cm (1 to 3 feet).
Many Tradescantia plant species have attractive foliage. This may be variegated or a lovely plummy purple color.
Plants bloom in the summer, and with a little effort can be encouraged to bloom a second time in the autumn.
Tradescantia ohiensis - Common Spiderwort by wackybadger.
Some Tradescantia species carry beautiful tri-petalled flowers; these may be purple, blue, or white.
Common names for Tradescantia include Spiderwort, Wandering Jew and Trinity flower.
How to Grow Spiderwort and Other Tradescantia
The seeds of Tradescantia plants such as Trinity flower, Wandering Jew, and Spiderwort can be sown outdoors in either autumn or in early spring. The seeds should be lightly covered once sown.
Depending upon their size, Tradescantia should be spaced from 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) apart.
Ideally the soil that they grow in will be moist, rich, well drained, and acidic (pH 5 to 6).
The plants do best in a partially shaded area, but will tolerate sunny areas as long as the soil is kept moist.
If starting plants indoors, then sow about seven weeks in advance. It should take from 10 days to 6 weeks for Tradescantia seeds to germinate at a temperature of about 20 degrees centigrade (68°F). Transplant them outdoors about a week after the last frost of spring.
Caring for Tradescantia Plants
It is easy to care for Tradescantia species. They like a moist soil so water regularly.
Cutting back once they have flowered should result in a second bloom in the autumn.
To maintain vigorous growth, plants should be divided every three years. Cut back dead foliage.
If you require more plants then they can be propagated by division in the spring.
Commonly Grown Tradescantia Species Photographs and Plant Identification
Tradescantia zebrina
Tradescantia zebrina syn. Tradescantia zebrina
Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew / Silver Inch Plant), photograph by Dick Culbert; CC.
Tradescantia pallida
Tradescantia pallida (Purple Heart / Purple Secretia / Purple Queen), photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
Tradescantia fluminensis
Tradescantia fluminensis (Wandering Trad / Wandering Jew / Small-leaf Spiderwort), picture by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.
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Tradescantia Growing and Care Guide
- Common Names: Spiderwort, Wandering Jew, Trinity flower, Purple queen, Wild Crocus.
- Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Half-hardy perennial.
- Height: 12 to 36 inches (30—90 cm).
- Native: Americas.
- Growing Region: Zones 4 to 10.
- Flowers: : Summer. Will repeat blooms in autumn if treated right.
- Flower Details: Bright blue, pink, purple, white. Three petals. Six anthers. Flat.
- Foliage: Monocot. Herbaceous. Alternate. Blade-like. Variegated. Plum, green.
- Sow Outside: Cover seed. Start of spring - before the last light frost, or towards the end of autumn.
- Sow Inside: Germination time: one to six weeks. Temperature: 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost. Space at 12 to 18 inches (30—45 cm).
- Requirements and care: Partial shade, or full sun in cooler areas. Good drainage. Acidic soil pH 5 to 6. Fertile, moist soil. Regular watering. Deadhead to promote a second bloom. Tidy dead leaves and flowers. To maintain vigor, divide plants every three years. Propagate: by dividing in the spring in cooler areas or the autumn in warmer areas. Self-seeds freely.
- Family: Commelinaceae.
- Closely Related Species: Dayflower, Spiderwort.
- Miscellaneous: Genus is named after the English naturalists John Tradescant the elder and the younger. May cause allergies in pets. Can grow aggressively in rich soils.
Common Questions
How many members does the Tradescantia genus have?
The Tradescantia genus, often known as Spiderwort, encompasses approximately 75 species.
Do members of Tradescantia make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, Tradescantia species make excellent garden plants, known for their distinctive three-petaled flowers and striped foliage. They're perfect for borders, ground cover, or hanging baskets.
Which Tradescantia species are most frequently grown by gardeners?
Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Jew), Tradescantia pallida (Purple Heart), and Tradescantia virginiana (Virginia Spiderwort) are frequently grown by gardeners.
Are members of the Tradescantia plant genus fragrant?
While not typically known for fragrance, Tradescantia species are admired for their eye-catching foliage and blossoms.
What is the perfect location to grow Tradescantia?
Tradescantia thrives in partial shade with well-drained soil, though it can tolerate a range of light conditions. It's a great choice for borders or hanging baskets.
Is Tradescantia invasive in the USA, if so in which states?
Some species of Tradescantia, like Tradescantia fluminensis, can be invasive in certain regions of the USA. Always refer to local regulations for accurate information.
How do I remove Tradescantia plants from my garden?
To remove Tradescantia, uproot the entire plant, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
The Tradescantia genus belongs to the plant family Commelinaceae. It contains around 75 species of perennial plants native to the Americas, including North, Central, and South America.
Tradescantia plants prefer partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth. Propagation is typically done by division in spring or summer, or from stem cuttings. These plants are known for their distinctive three-petaled flowers.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Tradescantia plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Crocus, Globularia, Arctotis, and Setcreasea plants.
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