Tradescantia × andersoniana 'Bilberry Ice'
spider lily 'Bilberry Ice'
A clump-forming perennial, to 50cm tall, with lance-shaped, arching dark green leaves held on branching stems. Small clusters flowers emerge from purple buds in summer and autumn; flowers are white tinged with blue, with a purplish-stripe down the centre of each petal and a small central boss of purple and yellow
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Commelinaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- 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
Get involved
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