The delightful blue flowers of Spiderwort are produced over a long period of time during late spring and early summer. Opening first thing in the morning, the blooms are closed tight by early afternoon. Tradescantia ohiensis grows easily from seed and thrives in a wide variety of moisture conditions
Tradescantia ohiensis 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.
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. An interesting and long-blooming perennial for the border, naturalized area, meadow or open spaces of the woodland garden.
Growing Instructions
The seeds have a dormancy period. They need a period of chilling which simulates winter conditions to break their dormancy. Seeds germinate with a fall planting, or following a period of moist-cold stratification.
- Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 4 months.
- Fill a pot with potting soil.
- Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the container and leave it to drain.
- Put the pot in a warm, sunny area.
- Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
- The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.