Spiderwort (Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Purple Profusion')
Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Purple Profusion' Spiderwort boasts deep purple blooms from May–Aug in USDA Zones 4-9, perfect for rain gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ is a superb clump-forming Spiderwort valued for its intense coloration and adaptability to moisture. This hybrid cultivar shines from late spring through summer, offering three-petaled, deep purple flowers that contrast beautifully with yellow stamens. As an Herbaceous perennial, it provides reliable structure in damp garden areas.
The genus Tradescantia offers gardeners resilient plants known for their longevity and attractive foliage, though individual flowers typically last only a single day. ‘Purple Profusion’ is a dependable selection, often reaching about 18 inches tall, showcasing iris-like, deep green leaves alongside its vibrant blooms.
Gardeners should note the Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ thrives where consistent moisture is available, offering vivid color in areas where many other perennials struggle. Its resilience makes it a cornerstone for naturalized planting schemes and wet garden margins.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Commelinaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to August
- Bloom Description: Deep purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Spiderwort is best done in spring or early fall to allow the roots to establish before facing summer heat or winter cold. This Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ prefers average, well-drained soil, but it is exceptionally tolerant of wetter conditions, thriving in moist, acidic, humusy environments. It performs well in full sun but benefits from partial shade in the hottest climates.
Water requirements for this cultivar are medium to wet; it is particularly tolerant of wet, boggy soils, making it ideal for rain gardens or pond edges. Fertilization is generally unnecessary if the soil is rich. Deadheading spent flower clusters consistently will encourage prolonged blooming throughout the season.
As summer heat peaks, the foliage of the Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ often declines or may sprawl unattractively. Promptly cut the plants back hard, almost to the ground, immediately after this lull. This harsh pruning is key, as it stimulates the production of fresh new foliage and often prompts a welcome second round of flowering late in the summer or into the fall.
Clumps of Spiderwort should be divided every few years if they become overcrowded, which also helps rejuvenate the plants and propagate new specimens easily.
Landscape Uses
The wet soil tolerance of Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ makes it a standout choice for functional landscape designs. It is highly recommended for rain gardens, helping manage runoff while providing summer interest. Furthermore, integrate it along moist areas beside streams or ponds where a steady supply of water is guaranteed.
Beyond wet locations, this Spiderwort works well in borders, particularly cottage-style or informal plantings where its purple hues can blend with later-blooming perennials. In open woodland gardens or naturalized areas, these plants spread gently to form attractive, low-maintenance colonies.
Consider pairing the deep purple flowers of ‘Purple Profusion’ with bright yellow or white blooming companions that share similar moisture requirements, such as Siberian Iris or certain Astilbes, to create dynamic color contrasts throughout the season.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tradescantia, commonly called spiderworts, is a genus of about 65 species of herbaceous perennials from North, Central and South America grown for their showy, three-petaled flowers and attractive foliage. The Andersoniana Group of hybrid spiderworts are some of the most common perennial spiderworts seen in cultivation, often carrying the hybrid designation Tradescantia × andersoniana. ‘Purple Profusion’ is noted for its deep purple flowers and purple-tinged young foliage, with individual flowers opening for only one day in succession from May into summer.
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ is generally robust and rarely suffers from serious insect or disease issues, making it a low-risk addition to the garden. However, young, tender shoots are highly susceptible to damage from hungry snails and caterpillars early in the spring. Protect new growth using physical barriers or recommended baits until the plant gains stature.
The most common complaint regarding this Spiderwort involves its mid-summer appearance. As the main flush of bloom ends and high heat persists, the foliage tends to decline, sprawl, or look untidy. This is the appropriate time to execute the hard cutback mentioned in the care instructions to refresh the appearance and encourage late-season regrowth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Spiderwort suitable for?
Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9.
How large does Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet and spreads to a width of 1 to 1.5 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Spiderwort need?
This plant prefers full sun but will readily adapt to partial shade conditions, especially where summer temperatures are intense.
When does Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ bloom?
The primary bloom time for this Tradescantia is from May through August, showcasing deep purple flowers.
Conclusion
The Spiderwort, specifically the Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’, offers unmatched color performance in reliably moist garden spaces. Its forgiving nature and ability to rebound after a mid-summer pruning ensure late-season interest. Check your local USDA hardiness zone compatibility before planting this desirable purple-flowering perennial this spring.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’, always prioritize plants that enjoy similar moisture levels. Good partners include Japanese Iris, which shares its love for damp soil and blooms around the same time, providing excellent vertical contrast. Golden Hakonechloa grass offers a beautiful textural contrast to the strap-like leaves of the Spiderwort while thriving in the dappled shade often appreciated by mature plantings. Ensure companions also tolerate medium to wet soil conditions to keep the entire area thriving without overly stressing the Tradescantia.
Propagation Tips
The easiest way to increase your stock of Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) ‘Purple Profusion’ is through division, which should be done in early spring or fall before or after the main growing season. Gently lift the mature clump and carefully tease apart the root sections, ensuring each division has adequate roots and growth points. Alternatively, stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season; simply remove a section of stem with a few nodes, remove any lower leaves, and place the cutting directly into moist soil or water. Rooting is typically rapid for Spiderwort under favorable, consistently moist conditions.
