Its spreading, aggressive nature make cord grass a poor choice for small gardens. However, it can be effectively used on steep banks and along lakes for erosion control. The leaf blades of 'Aureo-marginata' have yellow margins. Plants have grass-like foliage and produce clusters of blue to purple, occasionally white or pink, flowers. Though individual flowers last only 1 day, spiderworts continue to bloom for several weeks from late spring to mid-summer.
Spiderworts are easy to grow.
They perform well in full sun to partial shade and moist to wet soils. Several hybrid cultivars are available. These cultivars are better than the native species for landscaping purposes. The native species freely reseed themselves and often become weedy in perennial beds. The cultivated varieties are more restrained.