The central stem is round and glabrous, although scattered long hairs may occur where the leaves wrap around the stems, or a little below. Virginia spiderwort is a native, perennial forb. The foliage is long, narrow, and grasslike. Herb: Spiderwort Latin name: Tradescantia virginiana Synonyms: Tradescantia virginica Family: Commelinaceae (Spiderwort Family) Medicinal use of Spiderwort: The roots are laxative. See how you can personalize your home's entrance with holiday front door decorations, including evergreen wreaths, garlands, pinecones, and pops of plaid. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The New England occurrences are probably garden escapees. Cut your plants back after the flowering season ends, allowing for overwintering of the plant. It sometimes escapes but I like the way it goes on and on for weeks while other flowers are not up yet. These vigorous growers are beautiful additions to the garden. A "wort" was a general term for any type of plant used for medicinal purposes. It blooms in spring with one-inch flowers that have three petals and come in either white, pink, blue, or violet. The plants grow in erect clumps that range from 30 to 60 cm in height. C. myrrha}. Description General: Spiderwort Family (Commelinaceae). We've got the low-down on how to make sure everything from your perennials to your roses are ready when the snow flies. Foliage declines after flower. Then divide the clump into pieces that contain four to six shoots each with roots attached. Noteworthy Characteristics. They were responsible for bringing many new plants to England from the colonies. The flower’s three broadly ovate petals are generally bright blue but are sometimes purple, violet, rose, and rarely white. Spiderwort is native to the eastern United States. Spiderworts aren't too picky when it comes to exposure. The brilliant purple flowers are dramatic against the leaves. across (5 cm), adorned with showy yellow stamens. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Flowers bloom all summer. Leaves are 2—5 per… Love that it is beautiful, edible, medicinal and can be used to dye clothing. Clusters of buds top the stems opening sequentially to jewel-tone flowers, each lasting only a day. A beautiful hybrid selection. While a name like spiderwort may not sound like something you'd want around, this resilient perennial should have a home in everyone’s garden. Credit: Those found in moist woods and roadsides seem to grow the longest. These plants may not have the showiest blooms, but they certainly make up for it with quantity. English gardeners cultivated the spiderwort as a garden flower and as a result, many hybrid species have been created. While a name like spiderwort may not sound like something you'd want around, this resilient perennial should have a home in everyone’s garden. Usually just a few blooms in each cluster are open at once, and all of the blooms are only open for a single day. These seedlings can easily be removed, and by deadheading spent blooms, you can prevent aggressive seeding. Luckily each plant produces many of them, in leisurely succession. The leaves of the plant are long and narrow, reminding some of spider legs. The root can be collected all year round. © Diana L. Jones and https://goodwitcheshomestead.com/, 2017-2020. Native to eastern North America, it is a nectar source for butterflies and has special value to native and bumble bees. I’m gonna be careful for brussels. Narrow grassy foliage forms a compact mound that is studded with a summer-long display of triangular lavender-blue flowers, flushed with white at … Several sorts may become invasive and need to be controlled. 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