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Herbaceous Perennial

Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group) 'Isis'

spider lily 'Isis'

'Isis' is a perennial to 60cm, forming dense clumps of copious narrow, arching leaves and small clusters of deep violet-blue flowers 3-4cm in width from early summer

Synonyms

Tradescantia × andersoniana 'Isis'
Tradescantia virginiana 'Isis'

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 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

West–facing or East–facing or South–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: Evergreen
Habit: 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. Plants may need support, see staking: perennials

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Flower borders and beds

Pruning

After flowering cut back flowered stems to prevent seeding and to encourage further flowers

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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