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Herbaceous Perennial

Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Blue and Gold'

spider lily 'Blue and Gold'

A deciduous, herbaceous perennial with branching, arching stems and narrow, lance-shaped, slightly fleshy bright-yellow leaves. Distinctive, three-petalled violet-blue flowers with yellow stamens appear from summer to autumn.

Synonyms
Tradescantia 'Blue and Gold'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Yellow
Summer Blue Purple Yellow Yellow
Autumn Blue Purple Yellow Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Commelinaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

After flowering cut back stems to prevent seeding encourage further flowers and fresh growth.

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to fungal leaf spot and a rust

Get involved

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