Ohio Spiderwort
Best native plant for gardeners seeking reliable, vibrant additions.
Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) is a clump-forming perennial native to meadows and woodland margins. It features long, grass-like leaves with a purple tinge and striking purple to rose-blue 3-petaled flowers with bright yellow stamens. While each flower lasts only a day, cutting them back in summer can encourage more blooms in fall. This plant is a valuable food source, with edible flowers and stems, and cooked leaves. It also serves as a larval host for the Golden Looper Moth and attracts various pollinators, making it a beneficial addition to any garden.
$11.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
986
/ 4677
#986 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-57%
Below average
Mature Height
23
/ to '
Who it's for
- Gardeners eager to support local wildlife and ecosystem health
- Beginners and low-maintenance gardeners desiring resilient, attractive plants
- Homeowners in challenging climates or with less-than-ideal soil conditions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners who prefer highly controlled landscapes or smaller, contained spaces
- Enthusiasts prioritizing long-lasting individual flower displays in their garden
- Detail-oriented gardeners who expect pristine plant aesthetics throughout the entire growing season
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A magnet for bees and butterflies throughout the long growing season.
Ecological Impact
Essential larval host support for the native Golden Looper Moth.
Bloom Longevity
Extended flowering window provides consistent color from spring through late summer.
Edibility Versatility
Unique culinary potential with edible flowers and stems for adventurous gardeners.
Adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of zones and varying light conditions.
Maintenance Ease
Simple cut-back technique keeps the plant tidy and encourages repeat blooms.
Key Specs
Mature Height
2 to 3'
Container Size
Quart
Bloom Time
March, April, May, June, July, August, September
Bloom Color
Blue
Soil Moisture
Moist
Soil Type
Acidic, well-drained, sandy or gritty soil.
Hardiness Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Requirements
Part shade, Part Sun, Full sun
Features
- Edible flowers and stems
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Larval host for Golden Looper Moth
- Long bloom period
- Clump-forming habit
- Purple tinged stems
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Ohio Spiderwort plants received. Many highlight the robust health and careful packaging, ensuring plants arrive in excellent condition ready for planting. Reviewers frequently note the plants' strong vigor and impressive ability to establish quickly, thriving in various garden settings. This reliability in growth and successful establishment contributes significantly to high satisfaction, making them a trusted choice for native plant enthusiasts seeking dependable additions to their landscapes.
Know before you buy
While individual flowers only last for a single day, you can keep the plant productive by cutting it back in the summer. This maintenance practice encourages a fresh flush of blooms to appear in the fall.
This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil. It performs best in acidic, sandy, or gritty soil types, so ensure your planting site has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Yes, the flowers and stems are edible, and the leaves can be eaten once cooked. They are often used as a unique, native addition to salads or cooked as a potherb.
Ohio Spiderwort has a clump-forming habit, meaning it grows in a contained cluster rather than spreading rapidly through underground runners. It is generally well-behaved and easy to manage in a garden bed.
It is quite versatile and can grow in full sun, part sun, or part shade. However, providing at least some direct sunlight will help ensure the most robust flowering throughout the long bloom season.
Absolutely. It is a vital nectar source for bees and butterflies and serves as a specific larval host for the Golden Looper Moth, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
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Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
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$12