Zigzag Spiderwort: A Native Wildflower for Shady Spots
If you’re looking for a native perennial that thrives in those tricky shady corners of your garden, meet zigzag spiderwort (Tradescantia subaspera var. montana). This charming little wildflower might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it brings understated beauty and native plant credentials that make it worth considering for naturalized areas and woodland gardens.
What Is Zigzag Spiderwort?
Zigzag spiderwort is a native perennial forb – that’s gardening speak for a soft-stemmed plant that comes back year after year. Unlike woody shrubs or trees, this plant stays herbaceous, producing delicate stems and grass-like foliage that create a subtle textural element in the garden. As part of the spiderwort family, it shares the characteristic three-petaled flowers that make these plants so recognizable.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its botanical synonym, Tradescantia montana, in older gardening references or plant databases.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty has quite an impressive range across the southeastern and south-central United States. You’ll find zigzag spiderwort growing naturally in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
This wide distribution suggests that zigzag spiderwort is adaptable to various growing conditions within its native range, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in these areas.
Why Choose Zigzag Spiderwort for Your Garden?
While zigzag spiderwort may not be the most dramatic plant you’ll ever grow, it offers several compelling reasons to include it in your landscape:
- Native plant benefits: Supporting local ecosystems and providing food sources for native wildlife
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care and attention
- Shade tolerance: Thrives in partially shaded areas where many other flowering plants struggle
- Naturalized appeal: Perfect for creating that effortless, wild look in woodland gardens
- Pollinator support: Small flowers attract bees, flies, and other beneficial insects
Garden Design and Landscape Use
Zigzag spiderwort isn’t your typical border perennial – it’s more of a supporting player that shines in naturalized settings. Consider using it in:
- Woodland gardens as understory planting
- Native plant gardens and prairie restorations
- Shaded areas where you want low-maintenance ground coverage
- Wildlife gardens designed to support pollinators and native insects
- Naturalized areas where you want to encourage native plant communities
Growing Zigzag Spiderwort Successfully
The good news about zigzag spiderwort is that it’s generally an easy-going plant that doesn’t demand much fuss. Here’s what you need to know:
Growing Conditions
- Light: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil: Moist to moderately dry, adaptable to various soil types
- Hardiness: Likely hardy in USDA zones 6-9 based on its natural distribution
- Moisture: Moderate water needs; avoid soggy conditions
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate
- Space plants appropriately as they may spread via underground rhizomes
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots
- Once established, it should be quite drought tolerant
- Little to no fertilizer needed – native plants prefer lean soils
- Allow plants to go to seed if you want natural spreading
A Word of Caution (And Honesty)
Here’s where I need to be completely honest with you: specific information about Tradescantia subaspera var. montana can be surprisingly hard to find. This particular variety doesn’t get much attention in mainstream gardening circles, and detailed growing information is limited. If you’re interested in growing this plant, you might need to do some detective work to source it from native plant specialists or botanical gardens.
Don’t let this discourage you, though! Many of our most valuable native plants aren’t widely available simply because they’re not flashy enough for mass market gardening. Sometimes the quiet, unassuming plants are exactly what our gardens – and local ecosystems – need most.
The Bottom Line
Zigzag spiderwort might not be the star of your garden, but it could be the dependable supporting actor that ties everything together. If you’re passionate about native plants, interested in supporting local wildlife, or simply need something reliable for those challenging shady spots, this humble spiderwort variety deserves consideration.
Just remember to source your plants responsibly from reputable native plant growers, and be patient – the best native plant gardens are built slowly, with careful attention to what truly belongs in your local ecosystem.
