Photo of Tradescantia occidentalis flower by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

Show all photos

Tradescantia occidentalis

Also Known As

  • Prairie Spiderwort
  • Western Spiderwort

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 1'
  • W: 1'

planting zones

  • 3a-9b

More Options

Tradescantia occidentalis plant details

Tradescantia occidentalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer pink flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Tradescantia occidentalis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: commelinaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 1 FT wide, 1 FT tall
Flowers: pink blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Tradescantia occidentalis

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The hot pink flowers of Western Spiderwort add flash to the prairie garden or meadow. Tradescantia occidentalis is an excellent groundcover for poor soils, spreading by rhizomes to form colonies that squeeze out weeds and explode in a riot of 'can't miss it' color in early summer. Grows in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Hardy to Zones 3 - 9.

Gardening facts about Tradescantia occidentalis plant

How to Grow Tradescantia occidentalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • pink
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

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
Photo of Tradescantia sillamontana flower by plant lust
View Plant

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
Photo of Tradescantia fluminensis 'Maiden's Blush' foliage by Little Prince of Oregon
View Plant

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
Photo of Tradescantia 'Godzilla' flower by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

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
Photo of Tradescantia pallida 'Purple Heart' foliage by Rare Plant Research
View Plant

More Options

aka Regal Charm Tradescantia

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 11"

Width: 15"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Tradescantia 'Regal Charm' flower, foliage by Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
View Plant

More Options

+57 more Tradescantia
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved