Tradescantia ohiensis

Common Names

Ohio Spiderwort, Blue Jacket, Smooth Spiderwort, Spiderwort

Summary

Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) is a common, widespread native perennial forming clumps of erect to ascending stems with blue-green, grass-like leaves. Clusters of three-petaled blue to blue-violet flowers open in the morning and fade by afternoon, typically blooming from late May to July. Plants reach about 18–36 inches in height and 18–30 inches in spread, tolerate full sun to partial shade, and occur in moist to dry, well-drained soils ranging from sandy to clayey. Native across much of the United States and parts of Canada, it inhabits prairies, meadows, roadsides, and woodland margins and readily hybrids with other Tradescantia; it attracts native bees and is relatively deer-resistant.

For cultivation, it is easily grown from seed, with germination favored by fall planting or around 120 days of moist-cold stratification, or by division of clumps; it can spread vegetatively via a thick fibrous root system and may be somewhat aggressive in ideal conditions. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including acidic to neutral, loam, sand, and clay, and thrives in full sun to part shade, with drought tolerance once established. Hardy in USDA zones 4–9, propagation is possible by seeds, division, or stem cuttings; benefits wildlife by supporting bees and butterflies and suits borders, wildflower meadows, prairie restorations, and naturalized areas.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-3 feet

Spread

18-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun or Partial Sun; Partial Shade acceptable (under large deciduous trees) but with less bloom; Full Shade not ideal.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral pH (about 5.5–7.0)

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

5.5-7.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Golden, Yellow-brown (yellow/brown) after blooming

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Stem cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies