A large, moist open space or a pond on the property is an ideal spot for planting spiderworts. But they also do well as potted plants.
The spiderwort, also known as the eye of God, originally comes from North and South America, where it usually appears as a 60 centimeter long hanging plant. It comes from the Tradescantia genus and belongs to the Commeline family. The hardy pond edge shrub is reminiscent of grass and flowers in different shades of colour.
Note:
The plant is considered slightly poisonous. Accordingly, dealing with children and pets should be careful.
Appearance of Spiderwort
The growth of the spiderwort is loose and upright. After a short time, the flower forms bushy clumps with a height and width of between 40 and 60 centimeters. On top of that, if you don't prune the plant regularly, it will start to spread.
The leaves of the spiderwort are grass-like, lance-shaped and slightly fleshy. A special eye-catcher, however, are the threefold flowers in the form of a wheel. Each flower only blooms for one day. However, the delicate flowers are constantly being replaced by new ones between June and September, meaning that the plant is in bloom for several months of the year.
Depending on the variety, the plant can flower in different colors, such as in:
- white (Innocence, Gisela)
- pink
- blue
- violet (Leonora)
- gold (Sweet Kate)
Once the flowering period is over, the spiderwort develops three-masted capsule fruits. In each chamber you will find one or two seeds, which sow themselves and contribute to the spread of the plant. You can take advantage of this if you want to multiply the Tradescantia in a targeted manner.
Location for Spiderwort
As a pond edge plant, spiderwort prefers a moist substrate and the edge of water. She feels just as comfortable in a sunny to partially shaded place on a damp open area as at the edge of a river, pond orsimilar. The following applies here: the sunnier the location, the wetter the soil should be. A well-drained and humus-rich soil is ideal. The sandy-loamy or clayey soil should be evenly moist and nutritious. Waterlogging, on the other hand, is not suitable. Spiderworts feel particularly comfortable in warm and wind-protected places.
The spiderwort harmonizes perfectly with other grasses such as purple loosestrife, iris or moor grass. Ideally, you decide on a location and stick to it. This is how the spiderwort grows most beautifully.
Planting of Spiderwort
You can plant the spiderwort in small groups of up to about ten plants per group, ideally in spring but also in autumn. Make sure there is a minimum distance of 40 centimeters between the individual seedlings. In order to stimulate root formation, you should water the youngsters sufficiently for a few weeks, avoiding waterlogging.
Tip:
The Tradescantia tends to proliferate. To prevent this, a root barrier can be of great service when planting.
Care for Spiderwort
❍ Water & fertilize:
A moist soil is essential for this plant. Accordingly, you should water the Tradescantia regularly, especially in dry seasons. This is especially true for the first two years. Compost as a natural, organic fertilizer can also do no harm in spring.
❍ Stimulate flowering:
If you want to enjoy the flowering period longer, removing faded flowers helps. A strong pruning back of the flower ensures a rebloom.
❍ Avoid self-seeding:
If you want to avoid self-sowing, it is important to shorten the plant early enough. To do this, cut the leaves close to the ground in autumn when they are drawn in.