Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' (Spiderwort) — perennial

Overview

Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' is a perennial in the genus Tradescantia, part of the Commelinaceae family. Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, groundcover and containers. It is native to cultivar and derived from Tradescantia virginiana native to eastern USA.

About

Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' is a perennial spiderwort in the Commelinaceae that flowers from June to September. It suits borders, ground cover and containers and prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Position in full sun or partial shade on an east- or west-facing aspect, in a sheltered to semi-exposed spot. It carries a UK hardiness rating of H5 (hardy).

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 'Purewell Giant' is a cultivated form derived from Tradescantia virginiana, native to the eastern USA. As a perennial, it offers a reliable summer display with blooms from June to September, making it useful where an extended season of flowers is wanted through midsummer into early autumn. Plant into well-drained, fertile soil that can be kept consistently moist; a neutral to slightly acidic pH suits it best. Sitings that receive full sun or partial shade on an east or west aspect are appropriate, and choose a sheltered to semi-exposed position to reduce stress from persistent strong winds. The H5 hardiness rating means established plants are classed as hardy for most UK gardens, though young plants benefit from being reasonably sheltered while they root in. Use Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' in mixed herbaceous borders in groups for summer impact, as a low ground cover between taller perennials, or in containers where regular moisture can be maintained. In pots, select a free-draining, fertile compost and keep watering consistent through the growing season. Flowers appear from June to September, delivering an extended period of summer interest.

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
Aspect: east, west
Exposure: sheltered, semi-exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, groundcover, containers
Native to: cultivar, derived from Tradescantia virginiana native to eastern USA

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, fertile soil in partial shade; tolerates full sun if soil remains moist; mulch in winter.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: division, stem cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant'?

Prefers moist, fertile soil in partial shade; tolerates full sun if soil remains moist; mulch in winter.

Where is the best place to plant Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant'?

Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' prefers partial shade and full sun. It suits sheltered and semi-exposed positions.

What soil does Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' need?

Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.

Is Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' hardy in the UK?

Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Tradescantia 'Purewell Giant'?

Division, stem cuttings.

More in the Tradescantia genus

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