Cobweb Spiderwort
Tradescantia sillamontana
Also known as
White Velvet, Hairy Wandering Dude, Gossamer Plant
Photo by Herqls (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Light watering
Tender
H3-H1b
RHS hardiness
-5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 80cm |
10cm | Min | 20cm |
5 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
More images of Cobweb Spiderwort
Cobweb Spiderwort Overview
Tradescantia sillamontana is an attractive evergreen perennial in the spiderwort family, Commelinaceae. It's commonly known by the names Cobweb Spiderwort and White Velvet. A characterful little plant, it likes a position of full sun for optimal growth. Care should be taken with exposure to full sunlight as the leaves can burn. It's recommended to acclimatise plants gently to increasing light levels. Water sparingly and allow to dry out a little between waterings, but don't leave them bone dry for any length of time. It grows best in sandy, gritty, well-draining soil. Tradescantia sillamontana has an upright habit and produces oval-shaped, grey-green, succulent leaves which are covered densely in soft, white, cobwebby and woolly hairs. The leaves measure up to 5cm long and are arranged in two opposite ranks. Pretty little 3-petalled pink-purple flowers appear in the summer at the tips of stems, between the leaves. This species has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit. Plants in the genus Tradescantia have until recently been commonly known as ‘Wandering Jew’. This name is no longer used by the horticultural world due to its historical use in supporting antisemitic stereotypes.
Common problems with Cobweb Spiderwort
How to propagate Cobweb Spiderwort
Layering
Wherever the shoots touch soil, it roots and spreads!
Seed
Cover seeds with potting soil/organic matter. Sow in Spring or towards the end of Autumn.
Division
Remove stems with roots and replant to new areas.
Cuttings
Take cuttings in the spring in cooler areas/Autumn in warmer areas. Stem cuttings root quickly when placed in a smaller pot with moist potting soil in a warm, bright area.
Special features of Cobweb Spiderwort
Pot plant
Indoor plant
Ground cover
May be considered a ground-covering plant in appropriate climates with warm enough temperatures.