Tradescantia × andersoniana (spider lily Andersoniana Group) — perennial

Overview

Tradescantia × andersoniana is a perennial in the genus Tradescantia, part of the Commelinaceae family. Tradescantia × andersoniana grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Suggested uses include ornamental borders, ground cover and container planting.

About

Tradescantia × andersoniana is a perennial in the Commelinaceae that flowers from June to September. It is used as a border plant, ground cover or in containers. Plants prefer partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Wear gloves and protective equipment when handling, as it is a skin allergen.

About the genus

Tradescantia is a genus of 85 species of herbaceous perennial wildflowers in the family Commelinaceae, native to the Americas from southern Canada to northern Argentina, including the West Indies. Members of the genus are known by many common names, including inchplant, wandering jew, wandering dude, spiderwort, dayflower and trad.

Wikipedia contributors, "Tradescantia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Tradescantia

In the garden

Tradescantia × andersoniana (Spider Lily Andersoniana Group, also called spiderwort) is a herbaceous perennial in the Commelinaceae family that flowers from June to September. It is grown for its summer display and is commonly planted in clumps at the front of borders or in pots where the seasonal blooms can be seen. Position plants in partial shade to full sun on well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The group prefers soil that remains moist yet drains freely; in exposed, sunny sites aim to maintain soil moisture so plants do not dry out. Good soil fertility supports flowering, so work in a general-purpose organic dressing at planting or apply a balanced feed during the growing season if required. Use Tradescantia × andersoniana in ornamental borders, as a low ground cover between larger perennials, or in container planting for patios and terraces. Because it flowers through the summer months, it pairs well with later-flowering herbaceous perennials. Take care when handling or cutting back plants: Tradescantia × andersoniana is a skin allergen and you should wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Tradescantia

Sunlight: partial shade, full sun
Soil type: well-drained, fertile
Soil pH: neutral, slightly acidic
Soil moisture: moist, well-drained

Plant details

Tradescantia × andersoniana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: ornamental borders, ground cover, container planting
Toxicity: Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Tradescantia × andersoniana

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged stems to encourage new growth.
Propagation: stem cuttings, division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Tradescantia × andersoniana?

Prefers well-drained soil and partial shade; avoid waterlogging.

Where is the best place to plant Tradescantia × andersoniana?

Tradescantia × andersoniana prefers partial shade and full sun.

What soil does Tradescantia × andersoniana need?

Tradescantia × andersoniana grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.

How do I prune Tradescantia × andersoniana?

Remove dead or damaged stems to encourage new growth.

How do I propagate Tradescantia × andersoniana?

Stem cuttings, division.

Is Tradescantia × andersoniana toxic?

Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.

More in the Tradescantia genus

Browse all Tradescantia →