Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants
A comprehensive database of Tennessee native plants
Spiderwort
SpiderwortTradescantia virginianaMorning sun to light shade, medium to moderately dry moisture level, prefers humus-rich soil but adaptable to clay and sandy soils, circumneutral pH. 1-3 feet height; blooms spring into summer; flowers are typically blue to lavender to pink but occasionally white; can self-sow prolifically in ideal conditions.Germination Code: C(90). Division or transplanting self-sown seedlings is easiest method.Native Region: Lightly scattered statewide with greatest concentration in Western Highland Rim.An attractive plant with showy flowers and long, bright green, narrow leaves. Each flower lasts only a day, opening in the morning and then turning into a gooey pulp. Very adaptable plant tolerating a range of conditions. Foliage declines after flowering and should be cut back to the ground in summer to promote new growth and a fall bloom. Native to prairies, savannas, thickets, and woodland edges and openings. Attracts bees.flower;sun/shade;medium;loam |
 Photo Courtesy of http://tenn.bio.utk.edu/vascular/vascular.shtml  Photo Courtesy of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center http://www.wildflower.org/  Photo Courtesy of Southeastern Flora http://www.southeasternflora.com/  Photo Courtesy of Southeastern Flora http://www.southeasternflora.com/ |
Tennessee Smart Yards Native Plants 
Low maintenance, thrives in East Tennessee. As long as a few hours of sun are available in the morning, very happy with afternoon shade in the summer. Fine to divide every three years, so can quickly fill a planting area. Don’t be tempted to bring it inside for the winter- it’s happier to be left alone and wait for spring in the yard.