Virginia spiderwort
Also known as
Spiderwort, Bluejacket, Common spiderwort
Keep this plant’s care guide close at hand.
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Tradescantia virginiana is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America. It bears arching, strap-like leaves and distinctive three-petaled flowers in shades of violet-blue to purple (occasionally pink or white). Blooms open in the cool of morning and fade by afternoon, yet plants produce successive buds for weeks from late spring into early summer. Each flowering stem forms small capsules that can self-seed. The plants prefer consistently moist, well-drained soils and tolerate clay, making them useful in borders, cottage gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized plantings. In heat or after flowering, stems may sprawl; shearing to 6–8 inches encourages tidy regrowth and a lighter rebloom. This species supports pollinators—especially bees—and handles partial shade to full sun with adequate moisture. Foliage dies back in winter and re-emerges from hardy crowns in spring. It spreads slowly by short rhizomes and self-sown seedlings, allowing easy division every few years to control size and rejuvenate vigor.
Taxonomy
Properties & Requirements
How to care for Virginia spiderwort
Water
Keep soil evenly moist, especially during spring growth and bloom. In the ground, aim for about 1 inch of water weekly, more during hot, dry spells or in sandy soils. Water deeply rather than often to encourage resilient roots. For containers, water when the top 1 inch of mix feels dry; ensure free drainage and empty saucers to prevent root rot. Reduce watering after shearing and during dormancy, but never allow prolonged drought.
Light
Provide full sun to part shade. In cool or temperate regions, 6–8 hours of sun promotes abundant bloom and sturdy stems. In hotter climates, give morning sun with afternoon shade to prevent wilting and flopping. Plants will tolerate brighter shade but may flower less and stretch. Aim for bright, indirect light indoors or on patios, rotating pots periodically for even growth. Ensure adequate moisture with increased light intensity.
Nutrients
Feed lightly—Tradescantia virginiana is not a heavy feeder. Work in 1–2 inches of compost in early spring, or apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (around 10-10-10) at label rates. Avoid excess nitrogen, which encourages floppy growth over flowers. For container plants, use a diluted balanced liquid feed (half-strength) every 4–6 weeks during active growth, pausing during midsummer heat stress and winter dormancy. Maintain a mulch layer to conserve nutrients and moisture.
Temperature
Hardy outdoors in USDA Zones 4–9, Tradescantia virginiana survives winter cold with top growth dying back and crowns overwintering. Ideal growing temperatures are 60–80°F (16–27°C). It tolerates summer heat if soil remains consistently moist and mulched. In containers, protect roots from deep freezes by insulating or overwintering in a sheltered, above-freezing spot. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot, reflected afternoon heat without adequate moisture, which increases flop and stress.
