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.

Post a Comment

Previous Post Next Post