Spiderwort can pop up in sun, part shade, loose soil and clay. Good thing these wildflowers are so easy to transplant in clumps where desired. As we progress into late spring, deep blue or purple flowers emerge and bumblebees flock in droves. The growing popularity of these plants has led to the breeding of hybrids like ‘Pink Chablis,’ ‘Charlotte’s Web,’ and ‘Amethyst Kiss.’
Native Tradescantia species include Virginia spiderwort, Ohio spiderwort, zigzag spiderwort and hairy stemmed spiderwort. Flowers can range from light blue to deep violet to magenta. Though the flowers only bloom for one day, these perennials reflower until fall. They draw butterflies in addition to native bees. So if you see mysterious grass-like leaves growing in your garden, give them a chance to bloom. You just might have the pollinator magnet you’ve been looking for.