Tradescantia x 'Sweet Kate' Spiderwort/Widow's Tears

$14.95
$14.95
Size

Description

Tradescantia x 'Sweet Kate' has arching, iris-like, bright chartreuse gold leaves that are folded lengthwise. Terminal clusters of three petaled, royal blue flowers are produced for much of the summer. The spent blooms turn into deep purple drops of liquid, hence the common name, Widow's Tears. This perennial is easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range situations. Cut back foliage after flowering to encourage fresh leaves and compact growth.

Also known as Spiderwort, Tradescantia has 33 species and is native to most of North America. Various species are naturally found in distinct areas, but many have been introduced into various other parts of North America. Many of the Tradescantia varieties in the trade are crosses of various species.

Tradescantia x 'Sweet Kate' prefers part sun or light shade with moist, rich soil, but will tolerate full sun with consistent moisture. It will grow in clay and it can withstand coastal conditions. 'Sweet Kate's foliage maintains its best color in some sun.

Characteristics

  • Common Names: Spiderwort, Widow's Tears
  • Zones: 5-8
  • Light Requirements: Full Sun to Light Shade
  • Soil Preference: Prefers moist soil
  • Height at Maturity: 18-24
  • Width at Maturity: 24
  • Bloom Color: Blue
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall

Special Features

  • Attracts: Butterflies.
  • Tolerates: Deer. Rabbits. Clay Soil. Coastal Conditions. Juglone.
  • Other Features: Native to North America.

Care and Growing Tips

Check out our blog for more gardening tips!

Shipping Info

 

All orders placed now will ship in Spring 2024 unless requested otherwise.

    • Zones 9&10: Starting March 25th
    • Zone 8: Starting April 1st
    • Zone 7: Starting April 8th
    • Zone 6: Starting April 22nd
    • Zone 5: Starting May 6th
    • Zones 4-2: Starting May 13th

If you live in a warm climate and wish to receive your plants during the winter, please send us an email. Please note that we may be unable to fulfill your request if temperatures are too cold for safe transit or if the plants are dormant.

 plants shipped to your door

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We ship via UPS & USPS (the Post Office), and their ship rates are automatically generated through our site. We do not profit on shipping costs. We are working with these providers to get our customers the best rates possible.

All ship times are subject to change if extreme weather conditions are present here at the nursery or at the shipping destination.

Please note: Depending on the time of year, the foliage of the plants may be trimmed to fit into our shipping boxes. This could delay the flowering of the plant, but many perennials actually benefit from being cut back.

We are currently not able to ship to Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and outside of the US.