Tradescantia aka Spiderwort

Spiderworts are making a comeback in the landscape. Another old plant that is 'new' again! Above and below is 'Concord Grape.' This plant blooms early to midsummer for about 8 weeks. Blossoms are small, about 1.5" across, but plants are loaded. Like dayliles, blooms only last one day. Blossoms are 'self cleaning' meaning the spent blooms will drop off on their own so no need to deadhead.

Above you can see the foliage which looks similar to daylilies, but leaves can be jointed and change direction, so more like a crazy daylily! Plants get 15-18" tall with a wider spread. Spiderworts do well in full sun or part shade. They also prefer a moist location (or extra water) and are tolerant of wet, boggy soils - think edge of pond , low spot or rain garden. Mid-summer if too stressed from low water, plants may look raggy, cut back hard - like almost to the ground (yes, that's right) and they will re-flush and bloom again in fall. They are very hardy here in zone 4. 

Above is 'Osprey,' so pretty! Soft blue petals with darker center. Spiderworts are good companion plants with dayliles, sib iris, coral bells and

Lady's Mantel. Earthworks will have both of these ready for spring sale, start compiling your list now!