How much sun does White spiderwort need?

White spiderwort grows best in part sun conditions.

When does White spiderwort bloom?

White spiderwort blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is White spiderwort native?

White spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does White spiderwort attract?

White spiderwort draws bumble bees and native bees.

White spiderwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Tradescantia virginiana

Last reviewed: October 2026

White spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 26 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bumble bees and native bees.

Toxicity unknown

White spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CT and 26 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, native bees

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Try it with your yard

This spiderwort is a clumping perennial forb with strap-like leaves and three-petaled blue-purple flowers that open in the morning and close by afternoon. It grows in open woods and meadows, and the foliage tends to flop and yellow after flowering.

Growing White spiderwort

Grow White spiderwort in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Bumble bees and other native bees are the primary pollinators, drawn to the pollen-rich flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does White spiderwort need?: White spiderwort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does White spiderwort bloom?: White spiderwort blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is White spiderwort native?: White spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does White spiderwort attract?: White spiderwort draws bumble bees and native bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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