Spiderwort
Tradescantia virginiana (and other Tradescantia spp.)
Spiderwort is a hardy, easy-to-grow North American wildflower producing a succession of three-petaled blooms in shades of violet, blue, pink, white, and magenta over many weeks. Each flower lasts just one day, but new buds open continuously throughout the long blooming season.
Commelinaceae (Spiderwort family)
Late spring through midsummer (May–July); some varieties rebloom in fall if cut back after summer dormancy
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: tradescantias and obedient plants also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Spiderwort has a deep history of use and meaning in North American culture. The common name "Spiderwort" may derive from the spider-web-like threads visible in a broken stem, or from old medicinal uses for treating spider bites. The name "Widow's Tears" refers to the flower's habit of collapsing into a jelly-like mass after opening — its one-day bloom becoming a poignant symbol of the transience of beauty and life. In Victorian flower language it was associated with transient happiness. Scientifically, Tradescantia has gained modern significance as a bioindicator plant — its stamen hairs are sensitive to radiation and certain pollutants, turning pink in response, making it a living environmental monitor used in ecological research.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates more shade than most flowering perennials
Water
Moderate and consistent moisture preferred; tolerates short dry periods but foliage may brown in heat and drought
Soil
Moist, Well-drained to moderately moist, Fertile, Sandy loam to clay loam, Slightly acidic to neutral
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in moist, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade
Cut back hard to the ground in midsummer after flowering declines to encourage fresh foliage and often a second flush of bloom in autumn
Divide clumps every 2–3 years in spring or autumn to maintain vigor and prevent spreading
May spread enthusiastically — deadhead regularly if self-seeding is not desired
Very cold-hardy; requires little winter protection in temperate climates
Provides nectar for bumblebees, which are the primary pollinators
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cottage and wildflower garden borders
- Woodland garden ground cover
- Pollinator and wildlife gardens
- Rain gardens and moist border planting
- Naturalizing in meadow and prairie plantings
- Low-maintenance perennial borders
Traditional Uses
- Native American tribes used various Tradescantia species medicinally — root preparations were used as laxatives and for treating stomachaches and kidney ailments
- Some tribes applied bruised leaves externally to insect bites and minor skin irritations
- The sap is slightly mucilaginous and was used in traditional folk remedies
- Note: sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals; handle with care
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Spiderwort
What does Spiderwort symbolize?
Spiderwort symbolizes transience, momentary beauty, and adaptability. Each flower opens for just one day before dissolving — a quality that has made it a symbol of life's fleeting pleasures and the preciousness of the present moment. Its alternate name "Widow's Tears" also gives it associations with tender remembrance and grief.
Why is it called Spiderwort?
The name "Spiderwort" most likely comes from the silky, web-like threads visible when a stem is broken, resembling spider silk. An older explanation links it to the historical folk use of the plant to treat spider bites, though this is less supported. "Wort" is simply an old English word for plant.
Is Spiderwort invasive?
Native Tradescantia species are not considered invasive in North America where they naturally occur. However, they can self-seed freely and spread into neighboring areas if not managed. Regular deadheading and dividing clumps every few years keeps them well-behaved in garden settings.
How long do Spiderwort flowers last?
Each individual Spiderwort flower opens for just one morning and wilts by afternoon or evening of the same day. However, the plant produces buds continuously over a period of many weeks, so the overall blooming season is long — typically lasting 6–8 weeks or more.
Is Spiderwort toxic to cats or dogs?
Tradescantia species are generally considered to have low toxicity, but the sap can cause mild skin irritation or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals and pets. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. It is best to keep pets away from the plants as a precaution.
Can Spiderwort grow in shade?
Yes, Spiderwort is one of the few flowering perennials that tolerates moderate to deep shade reasonably well, making it a valuable plant for woodland gardens. It produces the most abundant flowers in full sun to partial shade, but will still bloom in shadier conditions where many other perennials struggle.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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Tradescantia
Tradescantia species
Tradescantia are hardy perennials with three-petaled flowers that bloom for just one day. They symbolize transient beauty, resilience, and the preciousness of fleeting moments.
Obedient Plant
Physostegia virginiana
The Obedient Plant produces spikes of tubular flowers that can be moved and stay in position, hence its name. This native North American perennial symbolizes flexibility, adaptability, and gentle compliance.
Penstemon
Penstemon spp.
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