Tradescantia ohiensis

Ohio Spiderwort

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Ohio spiderwort has attractive foliage and showy blue flowers that attract native bees.

See Details Below

Description:

Ohio spiderwort is an attractive plant with erect stems and blue-green, grass-like leaves. Its showy clusters of blue, three-petaled flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer. Individual flowers, which last for a day, tend to open in the morning sun and then close in the heat of the afternoon.

This adaptable species is easy to grow in a wide range of soils, and can self-seed. If desired, plants can be cut back to 6 inches high in late summer when the foliage starts to decline to minimize self-seeding, and mature clumps can be divided every few years. Ohio spiderwort pairs well with late blooming perennials, which fill in the gaps as the foliage declines.

Wildlife value:  Ohio spiderwort is of special value to long-tongued native bees, especially bumblebees.

 

Plant Details:

Other Common Names: Bluejacket

Plant Type: Flower, Perennial

New Jersey Native: Yes

Bloom Times: Late Spring to Early Summer, Summer

Bloom Colors: Blue

Deer Resistance: None

Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies

Salt Tolerance: Low to None

Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ

Soil Characteristics

Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay

Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist

Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral

Light Needs of Plant

Optimal Light: Full Sun

Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water Needs of Plant

Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist

Drought Tolerance: Medium

Size and Growth Rate

Height: 2 - 3 ft

Spread: 1.5 - 2.5 ft

Growth Rate: Medium