Last Updated on January 23, 2022 by
Spiderwort sun or shade is a debatable topic with most gardeners preferring to grow it under the sun while others prefer the shade. This plant is a favorite wildflower popularly grown by many gardeners. These interesting flowers not only offer a beautiful landscape but are extremely easy to grow and care for.
No one knows why this plant was named the way it was but some people think the plant was named so due to its flowers that hang down like spiders. Spiderwort is a plant well worth having in everybody’s garden.
This plant is a spring-blooming plant with long strappy leaves and blue-purple buds. It is native to South America, North America, and Central America. Thanks to its easy care and weeks-long bloom period this plant is a beloved addition. This plant is characterized by a messy, grassy–like form with its leaves growing up to 2 feet in height each season. Each of these plants produces many buds throughout spring and early summer.
The stem of the spiderwort secrets produces a white, sticky substance that becomes thread-like and silky once hardened just like a spider’s web. Since this plant grows in clumps, they are great for use in borders, woodland gardens, containers, or edges.
Growing Spiderwort Flower
Spiderworts are easy to grow and their plants are quite resilient. They’re hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9 and tolerate more than what one would expect.
Spiderworts grow in moist soils that are well-drained and acidic with a pH of 5 to 6. This plant is quite forgiving in the garden and tolerant of many soil conditions.
Spiderworts can be grown from propagated cuttings or purchased plants or seeds. Plant them in the spring season about 4 to 6 inches deep and 8 t0 12 inches apart. Stem cuttings in summer or fall will easily produce roots in the soil. Seeds can also be sown outside during fall or spring and should be lightly covered.
Spiderwort Sun Or Shade
These plants do well in partial shade but also do well in sunny areas as long as the soil is kept well moisturized. You can grow these plants indoors or outdoors and they will thrive.
If growing spiderwort seeds indoors, do so about 8 weeks before transplanting outside. The seeds take about 10 days to 6 weeks for germination to occur. Hardened seedlings can be transplanted outdoors nearly a week after the last spring frost.
Not only seeds you can also grow spiderwort plants indoors or under shade as long as you give them suitable conditions. Use soilless mix or loam-based potting compost and keep it in bright filtered light. Pinch the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
During summer or spring allow it to spend time outdoors. Water moderately in its active stage and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks.
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Caring For Spiderwort Under Sun Or Shade
Keep your plants fairly moist by watering regularly especially if they are growing in containers.
Once flowering has ceased, cut back the plants to promote a second bloom and prevent re-seeding. Cut the stems back to about 8 to 12 inches from the ground. You can divide the plants in spring every three years or so.
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Spider Wort Varieties
The spiderwort seeds are available in a mixture of colors with most of the plants in nurseries being cultivars. Spiderwort varieties have been developed by breeders based on the leaf and flower color. The varieties include:
- Tradescantia “Amethyst Kiss”: It produces purple-blue blooms that seem to glow when the sun hits them.
- Zwanenberg‘ is traditional spiderwort that has very large, blue to deep-purple flowers.
- Tradescantia “Concord Grape”: This eye-catching mixture produces mixed-colored pinkish-purple flowers with striking blue-tinted leaves.
- ‘Sweet Kate’ is a popular interesting variety with purple-blue flowers and yellow leaves.
- Tradescantia “Red Grape”: This variety has brightly rose-colored flowers in this varietal that are offset by silver shimmered leaves.
- Snow Cap’ produces pure white blooms.
- Tradescantia “Sweet Kate”: This bold variety has bright yellow leaves that contrast well with its saturated blue flowers.
- Red Cloud’ grows 20 inches high and has deep crimson blooms.
- ‘Satin Doll’ is a compact variety that thrives in containers. Its bloom is pink.
Conclusion
This lovely plant provides you not just with the bloom but with lovely vegetation and ambiance around your garden or house.
Does filling your home with houseplants and creating your own indoor jungle sound like a good plan? In our articles, we discuss many different plants and how to grow them. If you follow us you will learn how to grow your own plants both indoors and outdoors.
Are you growing the spiderwort plant? How easy is it to care for it? How fast does it put out new foliage? Are you experiencing any problems with the maintenance or growth of this plant? Tell us it eh comments.
FAQs
Where is the best place to plant spiderwort?
I have tried to plant it in the garden and also in pots, I'm not sure which one is better, but I think the plants in pots are better. The reason is that they are more tolerant to drought this way. The best location is a sunny area, near the ground, with lots of water. If you want to get more information about spiderwort, you can read this article: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/trouble-shooting/how-to-grow-spiderwort.htm
Spiderwort needs very little care and maintenance. The plant will grow anywhere that has enough moisture and soil. The flowers are small, so they don't need a lot of soil or nutrients. If you water it well when it is young, it should grow happily in almost any location. It will grow well in the shade as well as in full sun. I have seen it growing in some pretty rough places.
Where does it come from?
It is native to the United States and southern Canada, and thrives in dry climates. It likes full sun and will grow well in a wide variety of soil types.
Spiderwort, also known as American groundsel, is a common garden plant. It can be seen in gardens across the United States and even has its own genus of plants, Senecio. In the wild, this plant is found growing in areas that are moist and rich in organic matter such as bogs, meadows, stream banks, or roadsides. However, it is also frequently found growing in urban areas.
Can you transplant it?
Yes, you can transplant it as long as the soil is not frozen or wet.
Does spiderwort prefer sun or shade?
The spiderwort is not a sun or shade plant. In fact, it can tolerate partial shade better than full sun. However, it does not like to be wet and will grow better with regular watering. It needs a fertile, well-drained soil.
How much sun does a spiderwort need?
This plant is quite sensitive to sun. In the UK, they're usually grown in large pots and will need full sun and good drainage. They don't like it when they get too dry or wet. If you want to try growing them outdoors, keep them in partial shade.
Why is my spiderwort not blooming?
It is a hardy perennial with deep roots. It has been known to grow for many years in the same spot without any problems. You may have a problem with too much shade or the soil may be too dry. If you move it to a different location, the roots will probably follow.
In my experience, it's often a problem with the location. A lot of people who have good luck in their garden find that they have better luck elsewhere.
Caroline is a gardener who loves to get down to the nitty–gritty of gardening. She proudly proclaims herself as a ‘dirt worshipper‘ and can often be found deep in the garden, covered in soil and singing to her plants. As a self–proclaimed ‘plant whisperer‘, Caroline believes that plants need love and attention just like any other living thing, and she loves to give them both. When she‘s not tending to her garden, you can often find her researching the latest gardening trends, or teaching others how to make their gardens thrive
