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spiderwort issues

Posted by newton4 MD (My Page) on
Tue, Jul 18, 06 at 6:57

I have bunches of spiderwort planted by a previous owner but the spherical pods seem to dry out and look awful. Is there a way of keeping the plant pretty during mid-summer. Do they need to be divided frequently?


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: spiderwort issues

Well, I thought for sure somebody more knowledgeable would pop in, but since no one did, here goes...

Here, spiderwort appears, blooms, dries out, goes to seed, & disappears.

It's the life cycle of the plant, similar to Dutch iris & some other spring-blooming flowers.

When it's obviously finished, brown & brittle, I cut it down & wait for spring.

Best luck with yours!


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RE: spiderwort issues

I'm in southern coastal NJ, so perhaps a little more like your climate, newton. I bought a tradescantia "Sweet Kate" last spring but didn't get it planted until this spring. It grew and flowered happily in part shade (full morning sun then dappled shade from noon on) through the summer into fall, with just a little slowdown in the hottest days of summer. from time to time I just snip off the spent blossoms, being careful not to remove emerging flower buds.

It overwintered well in my small greenhouse, still blooming lightly, during which time I took and rooted some cuttings that are now planted out in other parts of the garden.

Diane


 
 

 

 


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