Tradescantia

The flowers of Tradescantia plants have a simple shape but remarkably rich colour. Commonly called spiderwort, hardy garden forms produce clusters of three-petalled blooms in shades of violet, blue, purple, pink or white above arching, grass-like foliage. Individual flowers may be fleeting, but established plants produce them in succession, creating a long, relaxed display through the warmer months.

Their strappy leaves form substantial clumps and give Tradescantia an almost grassy presence before the flowers are even considered. Moisture-retentive, fertile soil suits them well, and they can perform in sun or partial shade provided conditions do not become excessively dry. Hardy Tradescantia perennials work especially well beside ponds, in mixed borders and among plants with broader or more rounded foliage, where their narrow leaves provide useful contrast.

Bare-root spiderwort settles into the sort of perennial that becomes part of the fabric of a border rather than demanding to be the centrepiece. In UK gardens, its combination of saturated flower colour, reliable clumping growth and fresh foliage makes Tradescantia particularly good for relaxed planting with a slightly lush feel.