National Collection of Tradescantia

Cerney House Gardens have a recognised National Plant Collection^® of Tradescantia (Andersoniana Group), approved by the National Council for the Conservation of Plants & Gardens (NCCPG).

Tradescantia is a member of the Commelinaceae family. The ones that we grow are the hardy, clump forming members of the group. Barbara loves them because they are willing, come in a rainbow of vibrant tones and because her grandfather liked them. We have present a selection of labelled photographs here, taken a optimum times to allow easy distinction between different hybrids.

Tradescantia ...

• are hybrids of T. Virginiana and other species
• are sometimes called spiderworts
• were introduced to Europe in 1629 and are reputed to be one of the first plants to cross over from North America
• are easy to grow in most reasonable soils, preferably in sun
• have a long flowering time between June and September, and sometimes even later
• come in a huge range of colours but all are distinguished by having three petals and generally a fluffy centre of hairy stamen filaments
• are not scented, but act as a powerful lure for bees and insects
• are cut down to base after flowering and remerge in later autumn
• were popular in the last century as parts of a herbaceous border but some found many of the group disappointing
• are inclined to be leggy and need support at flowering
• can produce too much foliage to flower and can congest too quickly