Spider lily (Tradescantia virginiana)
Tradescantia virginiana, the Spider lily, is a clump-forming perennial offering blue-violet flowers in early summer. Ideal for shade gardens.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Spider lily (Tradescantia virginiana) is a highly valued native perennial, especially appreciated for its vibrant, yet delicate, coloration that brightens partial shade environments. This plant forms attractive clumps, slowly spreading to create naturalized drifts of color throughout the late spring and early summer months. Growing the Tradescantia virginiana adds reliable seasonal interest to woodlands and layered garden borders.
Reaching heights up to three feet, Tradescantia virginiana produces terminal clusters of three-petaled flowers, typically opening in brilliant shades of blue to violet-blue. While each individual bloom lasts only a single day, the successive opening of buds ensures a lengthy blooming period from May into July. Gardeners prize this reliable bloomer for its ability to thrive where sun intensity is lower, making the Spider lily an excellent structural choice for deep shade areas.
Native to the Eastern United States, Tradescantia virginiana adapts well to various conditions once established. Its common name, Spider lily (or Spiderwort), refers to the sticky, thread-like secretion released when the stems are cut. Incorporating this dependable plant into perennial beds ensures long-lasting color and texture beneath mature trees.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Commelinaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Eastern United States
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1.5-3 ft
- Spread: 1-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to July
- Bloom Description: Blue to violet-blue, rarely rose or white
- Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Planting Tradescantia virginiana is best achieved in spring or early fall, giving the roots time to settle before extreme weather hits. Choose a location that receives part shade to maintain vibrant foliage, though full shade tolerance is acceptable. This species thrives in medium moisture, well-draining soil, but is notably adaptable and can manage heavy clay soils or wetter spots—a significant benefit for challenging sites.
Ongoing care for the Spider lily is generally low, aligning with its classification as a medium-maintenance perennial. Ensure it receives consistent watering, especially during dry spells in the first year, to maintain the medium water requirements. Fertilization is usually unnecessary if the soil is reasonably fertile; excessive feeding can promote overly lush foliage at the expense of blooms.
A key aspect of maintaining good aesthetics is managing its mid-season appearance. By mid-summer, the foliage of Tradescantia virginiana can sprawl and decline, becoming unattractive. Gardeners should plan to cut the stems back hard immediately after the main flush of bloom subsides to encourage a second, smaller round of flowering and neater late-season foliage.
Landscape Uses
The Spider lily is perfectly suited for naturalizing in informal settings such as wild gardens, woodland edges, and under the canopy of deciduous trees, fulfilling its suggested use requirement. Its clumping habit makes it excellent for mass plantings where it can establish a natural meadow effect throughout its prime blooming time between May and July. It integrates seamlessly with other shade-loving natives like ferns and hostas.
While it excels in naturalized areas, Tradescantia virginiana can also be utilized in formal borders. If using it near the front of a border, be aware of the potential for mid-summer foliage sprawl mentioned in its care requirements. To counteract this, plant shorter, mounding perennials in front of the Spider lily to hide the base as the season progresses, ensuring continuous visual interest.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tradescantia virginiana is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial which grows up to 3’ tall. Violet-blue to purple, three-petaled flowers (.75-1.5” diameter) accented by contrasting yellow stamens open up, a few at a time, each for only one day, from terminal clusters (umbels) containing numerous flower buds. When the stems of spiderworts are cut, a viscous stem secretion is released which becomes threadlike and silky upon hardening (like a spider’s web), hence the common name applied to this beauty.
Tolerances
- Clay Soil
- Wet Soil
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Generally, the Spider lily faces no serious insect or disease issues, which contributes to its medium maintenance rating. Gardeners should primarily watch for snails and slugs, as the young, tender shoots are susceptible to their feeding damage early in the spring. To manage this, apply slug bait or beer traps near new growth. The main cultural challenge is managing the foliage sprawls that occur unattractively by mid-summer, which necessitates strategic trimming after blooming finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Spider lily suitable for?
The Tradescantia virginiana is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 4 through 9, offering wide adaptability across the eastern half of the United States.
How large does Spider lily grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically reaches a mature height between 1.5 and 3 feet, with a spread of 1 to 1.5 feet, forming a modest, contained clump.
What sun exposure does Tradescantia virginiana need?
Tradescantia virginiana performs best when situated in an area that receives part shade, though it tolerates full shade conditions in the garden.
When does Spider lily bloom?
The primary bloom time for the Spider lily is quite long, running from May well into July, featuring striking blue to violet-blue flowers sequentially each day.
Conclusion
The Spider lily (Tradescantia virginiana) offers native gardeners a resilient, low-fuss perennial known for its dependable summer bloom and tolerance for challenging conditions, including wet soil and shade. Its unique flower structure and native heritage make it an excellent addition to any ecologically focused landscape design. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 4-9 and assess your site conditions regarding moisture availability.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions enhances the visual appeal of Tradescantia virginiana while helping to manage its inevitable mid-summer foliage decline. Since the Spider lily prefers part shade and medium moisture, pair it with other shade-loving plants whose foliage remains neat and upright late into the season. Consider using taller ferns, which offer contrasting, fine texture, or groundcovers like wild ginger (Asarum) or foamflower (Tiarella) to mask the base of the Spider lily as it fades.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring is the critical maintenance period for Tradescantia virginiana. As new shoots emerge, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer lightly if you desire stronger flowering, and immediately begin scouting for snail and slug damage on the emerging soft foliage. Once the spring bloom cycle is complete in July, cut back the spent flower stalks and surrounding foliage—this single step is crucial, as it promotes short, cleaner regrowth, ensuring the perennial looks tidy through the late summer heat. Winter preparation is minimal; simply allow the old stalks to remain for winter interest or cut them down before heavy snow.
