Zigzag Spiderwort: A Charming Native Wildflower for Shady Spots
If you’re looking for a delightful native wildflower that thrives in those tricky shady corners of your garden, let me introduce you to zigzag spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera). This charming perennial might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it brings a quiet elegance and important ecological benefits that make it worth considering for your landscape.
What Makes Zigzag Spiderwort Special?
Zigzag spiderwort gets its common name from its distinctive stem that bends at each node, creating a characteristic zigzag pattern. This native forb produces small but lovely purple-blue flowers with three delicate petals, typically blooming from late spring through summer. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves create an attractive backdrop for the modest blooms.
As a true native species, this perennial wildflower has been gracing American woodlands long before European settlement. It’s perfectly adapted to our local ecosystems and requires minimal intervention once established.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
Zigzag spiderwort is native to much of the eastern and southeastern United States, naturally occurring in Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Important Conservation Note
Before you rush out to plant this beauty, there’s something important to know: zigzag spiderwort has a rarity status of S1S3 in Arkansas, meaning it’s considered rare to uncommon in that state. If you’re interested in growing this plant, please make sure to source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries rather than collecting from the wild. This helps protect wild populations while still allowing you to enjoy this lovely species in your garden.
Why Grow Zigzag Spiderwort?
Here are several compelling reasons to consider adding this native gem to your landscape:
- Native pollinator support: The flowers attract bees, small butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires very little care
- Shade tolerance: Perfect for those challenging shady areas where many plants struggle
- Ecological authenticity: Adds genuine native character to woodland and naturalized gardens
- Subtle beauty: Provides gentle color and interesting texture without being overwhelming
Perfect Garden Settings
Zigzag spiderwort shines in several garden situations:
- Woodland gardens and shade borders
- Naturalized areas and native plant gardens
- Understory plantings beneath trees
- Rain gardens and areas with variable moisture
- Wildlife habitat gardens
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about zigzag spiderwort is how adaptable and easy-going it is. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
Light: Partial to full shade (though it can tolerate some morning sun)
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, from moist to moderately dry conditions
Hardiness: Grows well in USDA zones 4-9
Spacing: Allow 12-18 inches between plants as it will spread naturally over time
Planting and Care Tips
Getting zigzag spiderwort established is refreshingly straightforward:
- Planting time: Spring or fall are ideal planting seasons
- Soil preparation: No special soil amendments needed – it’s quite adaptable
- Watering: Water regularly the first season, then it becomes quite drought tolerant
- Maintenance: Cut back spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding if desired
- Spread: It spreads by underground rhizomes, so give it room to naturalize
- Division: Can be divided every 3-4 years in spring if you want to control spread or create new plants
A Gentle Addition to Your Native Garden
Zigzag spiderwort may not be the flashiest plant you’ll ever grow, but it offers something increasingly valuable in our gardens: authentic native character combined with reliable performance. Its modest purple blooms and distinctive zigzag stems add subtle interest to shady areas while supporting local pollinators and wildlife.
If you’re building a native plant garden or looking to add more ecological value to your landscape, zigzag spiderwort deserves consideration. Just remember to source it responsibly, and you’ll be rewarded with a charming, low-maintenance native that connects your garden to the natural heritage of American woodlands.
