Tradescantia Sweet Kate

Virginia Spiderwort

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

Brilliant gold leaves and deep blue flowers. Unusual
Brilliant gold leaves highlight the deep blue/purple flowers of Tradescantia Sweet Kate. The plant forms dense spreading clumps of erect narrow strap-like leaves. Three petaled flowers are produced from late spring into fall. The stamen stems are the same pleasing lavender blue and have an enchanting bright yellow anther on each that appears to magically float above the flower. Excellent for providing some color in difficult locations, or in naturalized plantings. Stunning when paired with daylilies.

Code TRSK

Patent

Plant Type Perennials

Species x andersoniana

Height Short 16"

Spacing Plant 20" apart

Bloom Time Early Summer to Early Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Zones 4-9

Soil Type Normal, Clay

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Bluestone Classics

You can't go wrong with the classics! These tried and true varieties are our staff's top picks for gardeners looking for low maintenance plants that will dazzle in the border.

Special Features

  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Deer Resistant
  • Long-Blooming

Planting Sites

  • Wet Site Tolerant

Tradescantia General Information

Tradescantia are easily grown in soils that are moist to boggy. Can be sheared to the ground in midsummer. New foliage will return and possibly rebloom in Fall. When flower stems are cut, a secretion is released that is threadlike and silky much like a spider web; hence, the common name, Spiderwort. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Tradescantia Plant Care

Prefers moist to wet, fertile soil. Can be divided every 2 - 3 years in spring or fall. Cutting plants back by half in May will produce more compact plants, if desired. Remove spent blossoms through blooming season to increase repeat blooms. Flower buds close up by late afternoon. If not cut back in summer, cut back after killing frost.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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