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Botanical Garden

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Genus: Tradescantia Species: virginana & virginana 'Zwanenburg Blue', 'Red Grape' Common Name: Spiderwort Family: Commelinaceae Order: Commelinales Native: Eastern United States Habit: Herbaceous Perennial Height: 1.5 to 3 feet Width: 1 to 3 feet Flowering Season: Spring to Summer Flower Color: Violet-blue or purple-red Propagation: Division Zone: 4-9 Note: This clump-forming plant is suitable for borders, meadows, or sunny areas of woodland gardens. The common name " Spiderwort" derives from the plant's silky spiderweb-like sap. Each flower of Spiderwort lasts only one day. Cutting back (0.5-1 foot) the plant in mid-summer will enhance new growth and may even encourage a Fall bloom. Monitor plant for snails. Prefers sunny to part shady, moderately dry, well-drained, acidic, sandy soil.