Blue and Gold Spiderwort offers unique ornamental appeal to any garden space. This perennial adds bright color and fine texture, making it a favored choice for gardeners seeking beauty and ease of care.
Understanding Blue and Gold Spiderwort
The Blue and Gold Spiderwort, Tradescantia x andersoniana ‘Blue and Gold’ (or ‘Sweet Kate’), is an herbaceous perennial. It features an upright, spreading growth habit, typically reaching 12 to 24 inches tall and 15 to 24 inches wide. Its foliage emerges vibrant gold in spring, transitioning to chartreuse in shadier conditions. This striking leaf color provides a backdrop for deep gentian-blue, three-petaled flowers that bloom continuously from early summer through early fall.
This hybrid is known for its long blooming period. Originating from the Americas, the plant tolerates various climates. Its flowers are small, about quarter-sized, opening in the morning and often closing by early afternoon. Each individual bloom lasts only a single day, but the plant produces a continuous succession of new flowers, ensuring a prolonged display of color.
Caring for Blue and Gold Spiderwort
Light Needs
Blue and Gold Spiderwort thrives in light conditions from full sun to partial shade. For the most intense golden foliage, full sun exposure is preferred. In shadier locations, the foliage becomes more chartreuse. While it tolerates full shade, a few hours of sunlight each day promote better blooming.
Soil Requirements
This plant adapts to various soil types, including sandy, clay, and loam, but performs best in moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It tolerates wet, boggy sites once established. Blue and Gold Spiderwort is not sensitive to soil pH, growing well in neutral, alkaline, or acidic conditions.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for Blue and Gold Spiderwort, especially during dry periods and its initial growing season. An evenly moist soil is ideal, though established plants are moderately drought tolerant. Watering two to three times a week can be necessary. Checking the soil moisture a few inches deep helps determine watering frequency. Adequate watering is important for plants exposed to all-day sun.
Temperature and Hardiness
Blue and Gold Spiderwort is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and is frost-hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as -20°F (-28°C). As an herbaceous perennial, it dies back to the ground in winter and regrows from its base in spring.
Fertilizing
For outdoor Blue and Gold Spiderwort, a single application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring is sufficient to support healthy growth and abundant blooms. If the soil is fertile, additional feeding is not necessary. Adding compost to the soil provides supplementary nutrients throughout the growing season.
Propagating Blue and Gold Spiderwort
Propagating Blue and Gold Spiderwort is straightforward using division and stem cuttings. Dividing established clumps every three to four years in early spring or fall prevents overcrowding and rejuvenates the plant. To divide, carefully dig up the plant and separate the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each piece has roots and foliage. Replant these divisions at the same depth as the original plant and water thoroughly.
Stem cuttings root readily, particularly in summer or fall. Take a stem section about one inch long that includes at least one leaf. Place these cuttings directly into fresh potting soil or root them in a jar of water until roots develop. Consistent moisture around the cutting encourages root formation within a few weeks.
Common Issues and Solutions
Blue and Gold Spiderwort is a low-maintenance plant, but issues can occur. Aphids and spider mites are common pests. Aphids feed on plant juices, causing leaf curling or yellowing, while spider mites lead to stippled foliage and visible webbing. A strong spray of water or insecticidal soap manages these pests. Snails and caterpillars can snack on young shoots and are removed by hand.
Root rot can occur in overly wet or poorly draining soil. Ensuring the soil is moist but well-draining prevents this issue. Fungal leaf spot and rust can affect spiderworts, particularly in cool, humid conditions. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering mitigates these problems. If the plant appears leggy or experiences a decline in flowering, pruning it back by one-third after its initial bloom encourages new growth and a second flush of flowers.