How much sun does Longbract spiderwort need?

Longbract spiderwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Longbract spiderwort bloom?

Longbract spiderwort blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Longbract spiderwort native?

Longbract spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata) is native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Longbract spiderwort attract?

Longbract spiderwort draws bees.

Longbract spiderwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Tradescantia bracteata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Longbract spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata) is a perennial forb native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 16 more states. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Longbract spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–20" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AR, IA, IL, IN and 16 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Great Plains Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains

A clump-forming perennial with strap-like leaves and clusters of three-petaled blue-purple flowers that open in the morning and close by afternoon. Found in prairies and open woodlands.

Growing Longbract spiderwort

Grow Longbract spiderwort in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 20 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Morning flowers provide pollen for bees before closing later in the day.

Common questions

How much sun does Longbract spiderwort need?: Longbract spiderwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Longbract spiderwort bloom?: Longbract spiderwort blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Longbract spiderwort native?: Longbract spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata) is native to AR, IA, IL, IN and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Longbract spiderwort attract?: Longbract spiderwort draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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