Ohio spiderwort (tradescantia ohiensis)

Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis)

Ohio Spiderwort adds just the right touch of wildness to a garden without ever looking out of place. Its fountain-like form, with arching, narrow blue-green leaves emerges early in spring, lending a grass-like softness that plays well with bolder textures. From late spring into early summer, it sends up nodding clusters of three-petaled flowers in shades ranging from deep violet to periwinkle blue, often with a subtle pink or purple cast depending on soil and light. Each bloom lasts only a day, but new ones open daily for weeks, creating a constantly shifting display that adds to its unpredictable charm. Despite its delicate appearance, this plant is remarkably durable—drought-tolerant once established and capable of thriving in a wide range of soils. It also self-sows gently, allowing it to weave through a planting without ever dominating. 

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to part shade

• Soil: Medium to dry; adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soils

• Height: 2–3 feet

• Spread: 1–2 feet

• Zones: 4–9

• Bloom time: Late May through July

Wildlife Value
Ohio Spiderwort’s nectar-rich flowers attract native bumblebees, digger bees (Anthophora spp.), and sweat bees (Halictidae), which are often seen clustered around its early blooms. Its foliage also provides habitat for beneficial insects and serves as shelter in meadow plantings.

Blooms Alongside: blue wild indigo (baptisia australis), meadow anemone (anemone canadensis), white wild indigo (baptisia alba), hairy beardtongue (penstemon hirsutus), prairie alumroot (heuchera richardsonii)