The flowers on my plants are blue, but this eastern US native comes in purple, rose and white, as well. Each 3-petaled flower closes at night, and lasts just a couple of days, with new flowers appearing daily.
Janet gave me a large clump that I have divided into 8 plants, each of which have developed many blooms. The plants will spread through underground 'stolons' and can be divided every few years.
Virginia spiderwort is a vigorous plant which some might even call invasive because they will self-sow and even root from stalks that have fallen to the ground. I have planted mine around the perimeter of my woodsy backyard, outside of the stone-bordered beds, just because I don't want it to take over the garden.
Janet also gave me a smaller clump of a yellow foliaged variety of Spiderwort called 'Sweet Kate' (Below, right front corner). It will behave much the same as it's darker-foliaged relative.
I have the space for it to fill out and don't mind if it spreads around the outside of the yard along the fenced-in area.
The plants may flower again, later in the summer or fall if I remember to remove the stems after they finish flowering this spring. Virginia spiderwort will do well in zones 3 through 9.
Today I am thankful for space in my garden (and heart) to always add 'just one more plant' (and friend;-)
Words and photos ©Thanks For Today, by Jan Huston Doble
