When does Smooth Spiderwort bloom?

Tradescantia ohiensis blooms from May through July, producing clusters of three-petaled blue flowers that open in the morning and close by afternoon.

Where is Tradescantia ohiensis native?

Smooth Spiderwort is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas.

What growing conditions does Smooth Spiderwort prefer?

This adaptable wildflower tolerates various light conditions from full sun to partial sun and can grow in different moisture levels, though it performs best with medium water.

Is Smooth Spiderwort HOA-friendly?

Smooth Spiderwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Smooth Spiderwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Tradescantia ohiensis

Last reviewed: July 2026

Tradescantia ohiensis (Smooth Spiderwort) is a native wildflower found across eastern and central United States, producing three-petaled blue flowers from May through July that attract bees and butterflies.

Smooth Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) — Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Smooth spiderwort is a clumping perennial with grass-like foliage and three-petaled blue to purple flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. Each flower lasts only a day, but new blooms continue opening in succession for months. The plant forms neat colonies and goes dormant in winter.

Growing Smooth Spiderwort

Grow Smooth Spiderwort in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Smooth Spiderwort is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone.

Can look untidy when flowers fade daily
May appear weedy to those unfamiliar with native plants

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

When does Smooth Spiderwort bloom?: Tradescantia ohiensis blooms from May through July, producing clusters of three-petaled blue flowers that open in the morning and close by afternoon.
What pollinators visit Smooth Spiderwort?: Smooth Spiderwort attracts various pollinators including native bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles that visit the flowers for nectar and pollen.
Where is Tradescantia ohiensis native?: Smooth Spiderwort is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas.
What growing conditions does Smooth Spiderwort prefer?: This adaptable wildflower tolerates various light conditions from full sun to partial sun and can grow in different moisture levels, though it performs best with medium water.
Is Smooth Spiderwort HOA-friendly?: Smooth Spiderwort is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Smooth Spiderwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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