Photo by Almost Eden
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Tradescantia spathacea
Also Known As
- Rhoeo spathacea
- Moses in the Cradle
- Three Men In A Boat
Plant type
perennial
size
- H: 12"-18"
- W: 8"-18"
planting zones
- 11-12
Tradescantia spathacea plant details
Tradescantia spathacea is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with bright shade - mostly shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Tradescantia spathacea
- Plant type: perennial
- Plant family: commelinaceae
- Foliage: evergreen green
- Mature size: 8 IN - 18 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
- Uses: houseplant
GROWING CONDITIONS for Tradescantia spathacea
- USDA Zones: 11 - 12
- Sun exposure: bright shade - mostly shade
- Watering frequency: occasional - low
- Resistant to: verticillium wilt
- Soil needs: average and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
By: Almost Eden
Garden photo gallery of Tradescantia spathacea
By: Forest & Kim Starr
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Unreported 3.0 license.
View Original PhotoGardening facts about Tradescantia spathacea plant
How to Grow Tradescantia spathacea
Sun Exposure
- bright shade - mostly shade
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
Special Situation
- verticillium wilt resistant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Wildlife
- bees
Flower Season
- spring
- summer
- fall
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Texture
- grassy
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Tradescantia for your garden
aka Tradescantia sillamontana 'White Velvet', Cobweb Spiderwort, White Gossamer, White Velvet, White Velvet Gossamer Plant, White Velvet Tradescantia
Plant Type
Perennial, Groundcover
Zones
9a-12
Size
Height: 6"-12"
Width: 12"-18"
- sun - mostly shade
- regular - drought tolerant
aka Tradescantia 'Blushing Bride', Tradescantia 'First Blush', Tradescantia 'Maiden's Blush', Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Blushing Bride', Blushing Bride Lady's Tears, Blushing Bride Virginia Spiderwort, Maiden's Blush Spiderwort
Plant Type
Perennial, Groundcover
Zones
8a-12
Size
Height: 4"-18"
Width: 24"-36"
- sun - mostly shade
- even moisture - regular
aka Godzilla Spider Lily, Godzilla Spiderwort
Plant Type
Perennial, Groundcover
Zones
7b-10b
Size
Height: 6"
Width: 24"-36"
- sun - mostly shade
- even moisture - regular
aka Setcreasea pallida, Setcreasea pallida 'Purple Heart', Setcreasea purpurea, Tradescantia pallida 'Purpurea', Purple Heart Spiderwort
Plant Type
Perennial, Groundcover, Vine
Zones
8a-10b
Size
Height: 8"-12"
Width: 12"-24"
- sun - mostly shade
- even moisture - regular
- dry in winter
aka Regal Charm Tradescantia
Plant Type
Perennial
Zones
4a-9b
Size
Height: 11"
Width: 15"
- sun - mostly shade
- even moisture - regular
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