Spiderwort plants are interesting plants
that not only offer something different to the landscape but they are also extremely
easy to grow and care for. The question now is how did this lovely plant get
such an unusual name? While no one may know for certain, a lot people think that
the plant was named for the way its flowers hang down like spiders. While others
also believe that the name comes from its medicinal properties, as it was once
used to treat spider bites. Irrespective of how the plant got its name, the
plant is well worth having in the garden.
Furthermore, the three-petaled
spiderwort flowers are usually purple to blue, though may also be pink, red or white.
They only remain open for a day (that is blooming in the morning hours and
closing at night), but the multiple flowers will continually bloom for up to
four to six weeks in summer. The Spiderwort plants foliage consists of arching
grass-like leaves that will grow about 1 foot or 2 in height, although depending
on the variety. These plants grow in clumps, they are really great for use in
borders, woodland gardens, edging, and even containers. If your garden space is
limited you can even grow the plant as an indoor plant.
How to grow Spiderworts plants
Growing spiderworts plants is very easy
and you will also find the plants to be quite resilient. Spiderworts plants are
hardy in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4-9 and they
will tolerate more than what one would expect. This plant typically grows in
moist, well-drained and acidic (pH 5 to 6) soil, nevertheless I have found the
plants to be quite forgiving in the garden and tolerant of many soil
conditions. This particular plant does best in partial shade and they will do
equally well in sunny areas as long as the soil is kept moist.
The spiderwort plant
can be grown from purchased plants or propagated through division, cuttings or
seed. You can plant them in spring about four to six inches (10-15 cm.) deep
and eight to twelve inches (20-30.5 cm.) apart. Stem cuttings in summer or fall
will easily root in the soil. The plant seeds can be sown outdoors in either
fall or early spring and they should be lightly covered. If you are starting the
spiderwort seeds indoors, make sure you do so about 8 weeks prior to
transplanting outside. It should take about ten days to 6 weeks for germination
to occur. The hardened seedlings can easily be transplanted outdoors about a
week after the last spring frost.
How to grow Spiderwort plant as an
Indoor plant
The spiderwort plant can also be
grown indoors too as long as suitable conditions are given. Just make sure you
provide the spiderwort plant with either a soilless mix or loam-based potting
compost and also keep it in bright filtered light. Make sure you also pinch out
the growing tips in other to encourage bushier growth. You can also allow the
plant to spend warm spring and summers days outdoors, if feasible. During the plants
active growth, water them moderately and also apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks. Water the plant sparingly in winter.
How to care for Spiderwort plants
The spiderwort plants likes to be
kept fairly moist, make sure you water them regularly, most especially if you
are growing them in containers. Actually cutting the plants back once flowering
has ceased can often help to promote a second bloom and it will help prevent
re-seeding. You can cut the stems back about eight to twelve inches (20-30.5
cm.) from the ground. Since the spiderwort plant is a vigorous grower, it is
advisable to divide the plants in spring every 3 years.
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