Plant Profile: Tradescantia ohiensis

Tradescantia ohiensis, commonly known as spiderwort, is a perennial plant that forms dense clumps and features striking flowers that range in color from purple to rose-blue, each with three petals. This species thrives in various environments, including meadows, roadside areas, and the edges of woodlands.

The flowers of this plant are short-lived, typically blooming for just one day and usually opening in the morning. Its leaves resemble grass, characterized by their elongated shape and a distinctive groove running along their length. While Tradescantia ohiensis can tolerate shade, it produces more abundant blooms when grown in full sunlight. It adapts well to different soil types but flourishes best in moist, sandy conditions.

Pruning the plant back to a height of 6 to 12 inches in mid-summer can stimulate additional growth and may result in a second bloom in the fall. As a self-seeding perennial, it has the potential to become invasive under favorable conditions and can also propagate through offshoots.

In terms of pests and diseases, Tradescantia ohiensis generally faces no significant threats. However, as the clumps can grow quite large, division may be required to manage their size. Occasionally, snails may cause damage, and deer and rabbits might nibble on the leaves. By mid-summer, the foliage may lose its appeal as it tends to sprawl.

During the hottest part of the day, the flowers may wilt upon contact.