Tradescantia andersoniana Innocence - Spiderwort

Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Innocence' is also known as Virginia Spiderwort. This perennial with a branched tuft is distinguished by its pure white flowering that occurs for a long period. The narrow and pointed foliage is shiny dark green. It will thrive in cool and semi-shaded conditions or along the edge of a pond.

'Innocence' is a hybrid of Tradescantia with origins in both Americas (Tradescantia ohiensis, T.subaspera, T virginiana). It belongs to the commelinaceae family. It forms an upright tuft 50 cm (20in) in height and spread. Its green, grass-like foliage emerges in spring and develops into a dense tuft. The flowering starts in June and lasts all summer with simple and pure, flat white flowers with contrasting yellow stamens. They bloom in pairs and are carried in terminal clusters at the top of stiff stems. Each flower only 'lives' for a few hours, but they continuously renew above the foliage.

Easy to grow and maintain, you can plant Tradescantia andersoniana 'Innocence' in humus-bearing, moist to wet soil. This plant prefers a semi-shaded exposure. In full sun, regular watering will be essential. In a moist rockery, at the foot of a shaded wall, in woodland, or along borders, its shiny foliage and white flowering will brighten up any small shady areas. This perennial will thrive in wet areas along stream or pond banks.