Plant Profile: Tradescantia

Spiderwort is a native herbaceous perennial comprising 75 species of wildflowers, ranging from southern Canada to South America, and has since become naturalized globally. Typically, these plants exhibit a weakly upright growth habit, forming clumps in both woodland settings and open fields. T. virginiana, in particular, is indigenous to certain regions of North Carolina. This genus also includes many trailing varieties that are popular as houseplants.

In North Carolina, it is advisable to shield perennial plants from the harsh afternoon sun. They are well-suited for use in perennial beds within native and pollinator gardens. Additionally, tropical varieties can thrive as houseplants or in hanging containers.