Tradescantia andersoniana Perrines Pink - Spiderwort

Tradescantia hybrid 'Pertine's Pink' is also known as Spiderwort. This branching perennial clump offers countless delicate and short-lived flowers in a pale blueish pink colour, blooming throughout the summer amidst compact vegetation. The foliage is narrow and pointed, of a shiny green colour ranging from light to dark green. This sturdy and hardy plant will thrive in the sun, in a moist soil like the one found near water , or in partial shade in damp soil.

Tradescantia 'Perrine's Pink' is a hybrid with origins in both Americas (Tradescantia ohiensis, T.subaspera, T virginiana). It belongs to the family of Commelinaceae. It forms an erect and dense 40 cm (16in) tall clump, spreading up to 55 cm (22in). Its narrow and slightly fleshy foliage resembles that of grasses, emerging in spring and developing into a dense clump. The above-ground part does not withstand frost, but the plant vigorously regrows from the stump in spring. The flowering begins in June and lasts throughout the summer. The flowers are flat, pale pink with blueish reflections and contrasting yellow stamens, simple and pure yet ephemeral. They open in pairs and are carried in terminal clusters at the top of stiff stems. Each flower only 'lives' for a few hours, but they continually renew above the foliage.

You can plant Tradescantia 'Perrine's Pink' in a fresh rockery, at the base of a shaded wall, or as edging. Its shiny foliage and pastel flowers will brighten up a woodland in naturalised areas. This perennial will enjoy moist terrain along the banks of streams or ponds.