Vigorous, clump-forming plants produce long narrow arching leaves and blue-violet flowers with showy yellow stamens that appear in clusters at the tops of the stems in the morning and close by mid-day. Valued by native bees, Prairie Spiderwort provides attractive seasonal color and is a wonderful addition to a pollinator garden.

Planting & Harvesting

Seed Depth: 1/8″ (3mm)

Spacing: 12-15″ (30-38cm)

Sprouts In: 5-8 Days

Thinning: 12-15″ (30-38cm)

30 day cold stratification is recommended to help seeds break dormancy and initiate the germination process. For dry stratification, store the seed in a Ziploc bag in a refrigerator, or in a rodent-proof container in an unheated building over winter prior to spring planting, or plant in late fall. Planting the seed outside in the fall (direct seeding) is nature’s moist stratification process, for spring emergence. Plant in a sunny area in well-drained soil. Low water needs once established.

Flower production will decrease with too much shade. Some drought tolerance. After flowering, cut back stems to prevent seeding and encourage further booms.

Additional Information

Botanical Name: Tradescantia occidentalis

Height: 8-24″ (20-60cm)

Bloom Period: Spring-Summer

Type: Perennial