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Herbaceous Perennial

Tradescantia Andersoniana Group

spider lily Andersoniana Group

A group of hybrid, clump-forming garden perennials, with narrow, upright to arching, slightly fleshy leaves. Flowers are three petalled, in shades of white, pink and purple, and open in successional clusters, often over a long period from early summer to early autumn

Synonyms

Tradescantia × andersoniana W. Ludwig & Rohw. nom. inval.
Tradescantia blue-flowered

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Commelinaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Clump forming, Tufted
Potentially harmful: Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus: Tradescantia can be trailing or tufted perennials with usually fleshy, evergreen foliage and distinctive, 3-petalled flowers
Name status: Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Flower production is better in full sun, but light afternoon shade is beneficial in areas with hot summers. Taller varieties may need support, see staking: perennials

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly. Plants may be sheared back after the first flush of flowers to encourage fresh new growth

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, vine weevil, slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and a rust

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