Product Description
Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS TM ('Radtrad' PP24733) (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Spiderwort
One of the longest blooming Tradescantia we’ve seen! This selection produces large clusters of sizeable, periwinkle blue flowers accented with yellow tipped stamens from early summer to fall, still blooming long after others are spent for the season.
Tradescantia is adaptable to many types of soil as long as it is moist and well-drained. It will grow in any amount of sunlight, from full sun to full shade. In full sun, plants must be kept moist to prevent scorching. Plants will have nicer foliage, though perhaps fewer flowers, in partial to full shade. After flowering declines, cut plants all the way back. This will encourage new growth and a second round of bloom.
This clump-forming perennial is easy to divide in either the spring or in early fall. Seedlings may sprout around the parent plant, but they are easily lifted and moved. Tradscantia is very attractive when planted in a naturalized area or by a pond or stream.
Height: 12.0-18.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0-18.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-blue shades, Blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Late Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Mass Planting, Native to North America
A Deep Dive into the Widow's Tears
The Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS, also known as the Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort , is a captivating perennial boasting unique amethyst blooms with bright yellow stamens and vibrant green foliage. This captivating plant, also known as "widow's tears" , is a must-have for any garden enthusiast. This comprehensive guide delves into the characteristics, care requirements, and growing habits of this stunning plant, providing valuable insights for gardeners of all levels.
Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS is a cultivar of Tradescantia, commonly known as spiderwort . This herbaceous perennial is admired for its exceptionally long blooming period, extending from early summer through fall, and is considered the longest-blooming Tradescantia available . Its distinctive three-petaled flowers in periwinkle blue add a touch of whimsy to any garden.
Common Name The common name for Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS is Spiderwort . The name "spiderwort" originates from the appearance of the blooms, which somewhat resemble spiders. The botanical name, Tradescantia, honors John Tradescant, a renowned royal gardener, and plant explorer from the Elizabethan era.
Care Requirements One of the most appealing aspects of the Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS is its low-maintenance nature. It thrives in a variety of conditions, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Here is a breakdown of its care requirements:
- Sunlight This adaptable plant tolerates a wide range of sunlight . In cooler climates, it flourishes in full sun, while in hotter regions, it prefers full shade. It can also thrive in partial shade. If growing indoors, an east or west-facing window provides the ideal amount of light.
- Water Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil . It is essential to water regularly, especially during hot summer months, to prevent the plant from going dormant. Using a moisture meter can help gauge soil moisture accurately and prevent overwatering.
- Soil This plant is adaptable to various soil types as long as it is moist and well-drained. It thrives in organically rich, fertile soil with an optimal pH range of 5.8-6.2 and can tolerate slightly acidic conditions .
- Temperature Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid exposing it to sudden temperature drops or drafts, which can cause leaf drop.
- Humidity While it prefers higher humidity, this plant can tolerate average household humidity levels. If needed, increase humidity by placing it on a wet pebble tray or using a humidifier.
- Fertilizer Feed the plant at moderate rates of 75-125 ppm N at each watering.
- Pruning After flowering declines, cut the plants back to encourage new growth and a second round of bloom.
Growth Habits Amethyst Kiss Tradescantia is a clump-forming perennial with an upright, spreading habit. It typically reaches a height and spread of 12-18 inches. The strappy, grass-like foliage provides excellent texture and contrasts beautifully with other plants in the landscape. Interestingly, the plant can go semi-dormant in warmer regions during hot summer months.
Uses Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways to enhance your garden or indoor space :
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover for filling in gaps and adding texture to garden beds.
- Hanging baskets: The trailing stems create a beautiful cascading effect in hanging baskets, adding a touch of elegance to porches and patios.
- Containers: Whether indoors or outdoors, Amethyst Kiss Tradescantia thrives in containers, adding a pop of color and life to any setting.
- Indoor groundcover: For larger indoor pots, it can be used as a groundcover, adding visual interest and a touch of nature to your home.
Pests and Diseases While generally resilient, Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases.
- Spider mites: These tiny mites can cause yellowing, dryness, and speckling on the leaves . To prevent spider mites, maintain high humidity levels by misting the plant regularly or using a humidifier. If an infestation occurs, wash the mites off with water or use an insecticide specifically formulated for spider mites .
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from leaves, leading to distorted growth and potential viral infections . Treat aphid infestations by taking the plant outside and spraying it with neem oil or a strong stream of water. Repeat the treatment in 7-10 days if necessary .
- Thrips: These winged insects cause silvery markings and distorted growth on the leaves .
- Mealybugs: These cottony insects can infest leaves and stems, causing damage and potential fungal growth .
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing the roots to become mushy and the plant to wilt . To prevent root rot, ensure proper watering practices and avoid overwatering.
- Leaf spot: Fungal diseases can cause leaf spots, especially in overly moist conditions .
Propagation Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS is easy to propagate through division or stem cuttings.
Division Divide the clumps in spring or early fall. This method is ideal for mature plants and allows for quick establishment of new plants.
Stem Cuttings Take stem cuttings of about 4-6 inches in length. Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in water or moist potting mix. Roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks.
Winter Care
If your Amethyst Kiss Tradescantia is planted in the ground, no special winter care is required. The plant will die back to the ground and re-emerge in the spring. However, if it is potted, you may want to move the dormant plant to an unheated garage or basement during the winter months.
Tradescantia AMETHYST KISS, with its captivating periwinkle blue flowers and lush green foliage, is a true gem for any garden. Its adaptability to various light conditions, low-maintenance nature, and long blooming season make it a favorite among gardeners. Whether you are a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your gardening journey, the Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort is sure to impress. Its versatility allows it to shine in various settings, from groundcover to hanging baskets to container displays. Why not add this captivating perennial to your garden and enjoy its beauty for years to come?
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
