Overview
Tradescantia tharpii is a trailing conservatory greenhouse in the genus Tradescantia, part of the Commelinaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Tradescantia tharpii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include patio and container plants and low maintenance.
About
Tradescantia tharpii, the shortstem spiderwort or spider lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Commelinaceae, native to the central United States. It is small for its genus, reaching only 8–12 in (20–30 cm).
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Tradescantia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Tradescantia tharpii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Tradescantia tharpii
- Propagation
- Softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer
- Pest resistance
- Red spider mite, Mealybugs, Aphids, Vine weevil, Thrips
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Tradescantia tharpii?
Tradescantia tharpii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Tradescantia tharpii need?
Tradescantia tharpii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Tradescantia tharpii hardy in the UK?
Tradescantia tharpii has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Tradescantia tharpii?
Softwood cuttings using stem tips in spring or summer.
More in the Tradescantia genus
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Blue Spider'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Gisela'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Iris Prichard'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Little White Doll'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Mariella'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Mrs Loewer'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Ocean Blue'
- Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Purple Profusion'