Tradescantia is the common name for three species of plant, all of which are grown as ornamental plants. There are more than 20 different types of Tradescantia, ranging from the compact, bushy Tradescantia zebrina to the trailing Tradescantia coccinea. Tradescantia species grow well in many parts of the United States.
Tradescantia zebrina The common name for this species is “dwarf spiderwort” because its leaves look like small, web-like structures. In the summer, this plant produces many flower heads with a yellow center and a pale green ring of tiny flowers.
It grows in sandy or loamy soils in full sun. Tradescantia fluminensis This is one of the more common forms of Tradescantia, and is often found growing in moist areas. The leaves are dark green, and grow to be about 6 inches long.
The flowers are small and pale yellow. The flower is also a favorite of hummingbirds. Tradescantia fluminensis has been cultivated for hundreds of years.