Spiderwort Collection - Tradescantias

This Collection of Virginia Spiderworts or Tradescantia is an excellent choice for all gardeners looking to enhance their garden. Bringing together three stunning perennial varieties, 'Bilberry Ice', 'Osprey', and 'Zwanenburg Blue', this trio offers a vibrant and long-lasting flowering from June to October. Their flowers bloom in various colours, from pure white to bluish-purple to mauve. Tradescantia prefers humus-bearing soil that does not dry out too much in summer. These perennials, which can withstand -20°C, suit many climates. Their flowers are nectariferous.

The collection consists of:

1 x Tradescantia andersoniana 'Bilberry Ice': This variety stands out with its large white flowers infused and speckled with mauve, enhanced by yellow stamens, bringing a touch of freshness to any setting. Its maximum height is about 45 cm.

1 x Tradescantia andersoniana 'Osprey': This variety contrasts with the other plants in the collection with its vibrant bluish-white flowers with a deep blue centre. It reaches a height of about 40 cm. If you prune the clumps a little during the season, flowering can last four months, from May to June to October.

1 x Tradescantia virginiana 'Zwanenburg Blue': This variety is remarkable for its deep bluish-purple flowers, enhanced by golden stamens. Reaching up to 50 cm in height, it is ideal for borders or slightly shaded garden areas.

The best time to plant these Tradescantia is in spring or autumn. These perennials will thrive in a humus-bearing, rich soil that does not dry out too much in summer. They prefer semi-shaded exposures. You can use them in borders, mass plantings, or a moist rock garden. For a beautiful mass effect, plant 4 to 5 plants per square metre, with a distance of 40 cm between each plant.

In a semi-shaded border with moist soil, combine the Tradescantia from this collection with Heuchera 'Caramel', whose orange foliage contrasts nicely with the blue of the Tradescantia. Plant them in front of the Virginia Spiderworts. Astilbes 'Visions' with their magenta spikes can be interplanted between the Tradescantia to add colour. Regarding foliage, Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' ferns offer a beautiful texture in the background. Finally, Cimicifuga racemosa 'Brunette' is a wise choice for adding a vertical touch. With its elegant and discreet dark stems and delicate cream-white pink-tinged flowers, this bugbane will be perfect at the back of the border.