'Sweet Kate' Spiderwort
Spiderwort (Tradescantia sp.) is another incredible drought tolerant plant. They are prarie wild flowers with grass-like leaves and get to be about 1 to 2 feet tall. I just got this one about a month ago from a friend.
The name “spiderwort” comes from the glistening hairs on the sepals and buds. “Wort” is an old English word for plant. Another common name, believe it or not, is “cow slobber.” I don’t think I even want to know why.
Spiderwort has heliotropic flowers that will bloom all summer. The flowers only last for a day and range from white to deep purple. The ‘Sweet Kate’ is obviously one of the deeper purple ones. They do best in well drained rich soil and in shade to dappled sun. While mine seems to be doing very well, I’m worried that it may get to much sun once the August heat kicks in. I may have to move it before then.
There are spiderworts that are native to Texas, although I’m not exactly sure that ‘Sweet Kate’ is the native variety.
-- Weather When Posted --
- Temperature: 77°F;
- Humidity: 59%;
- Heat Index: 79°F;
- Wind Chill: 77°F;
- Pressure: 30.03 in.;
