- Versatile plant for the perennial garden
- Leaves and flowers of many colors
- Known Species of Tradescantia
The Tradescantia, also called spiderwort, is a very easy-care plant that is represented in many species. They differ in size, flower color, leaf color and growth habit. Almost all varieties can be grown in perennial gardens, some are also cultivated as houseplants.
Tradescantia albiflora has green leaves and white flowers
Versatile plant for the perennial garden
The Tradescantia is characterized by the fact that it is very easy to care for. You can't do much wrong if you cultivate a spiderwort in the garden.
In many species, the shoots hang down and can be up to 40 centimeters long. Some, on the other hand, grow herbaceous or upright.
Tradescantia pallida, which provides color in the garden for a long time with its violet flowers, is particularly common.
Leaves and flowers of many colors
Some species of Tradescantia are only grown for their leaves, because they often do not flower at all or only very little. The leaves are usually pointed. They can be light or dark green in color depending on the species. The leaves are very decorative when the underside is dark red. In many varieties, the leaves are multicolored, so some of them are also called zebra plants.
In older plants that are grown as houseplants, the lower leaves fall off after a while. This is normal operation and no cause for concern.
The flowers can be white, blue or pink in color depending on the species. They only open one day at a time and then die.
Known Species of Tradescantia
| Surname | leaves | blossoms |
|---|---|---|
| Tradescantia albiflora | solid green | White |
| Alba vittata | white-green striped | White |
| Aurea | yellow | White |
| tricolor | striped white and light green | rarely blooms |
| Tradescantia blossfeldiana | olive above, dark red below | pink above, white below |
| Tradescantia blossfeldiana Variegata | green or white striped | rarely blooms |
| Tradescantia fluminensis | plain or striped | White |
| Tradescantia navicularis | green above, crimson below | light pink |
| Tradescantia sillamontana | green | purple pink |
| Tradescantia pallida | green red | blue |
| Tradescantia zebrina | variegated | White |
tips
The Tradescantia only develops its strong colors in a suitable location. Above all, it needs a lot of light and should therefore be as sunny as possible. Most varieties are hardy and can therefore be cultivated in the garden all year round.