Tradescantia occidentalis

Common Name:
Western spiderwort
Plant Type:
Deciduous perennial
Family:
Commelinaceae (The Dayflower Family)
Geographic Origin:
Southwestern States
California Native?:
No

Plant Size:
12-18 inches high
Landscape/Garden Uses:
Mixed plantings
Flowering Season:
Summer

Flower Color:
Lavender blue
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Most soils

Suggested Irrigation:
Regular to moderate watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 0 degrees F. or less

This is a plant of open plains, tough and adaptable to sparsely tended gardens. It is similar in appearance to the eastern spiderwort. However the leaves are generally more narrow, and both leaves and stems are grey-green in color. The flowers are up to 2 inches broad and lavender-blue in color. It prefers sun, well drained soil and moderate to occasional watering.