Wednesday's Story

If an artist were to paint this flower…

I could imagine her starting with a subtle green backdrop. Then with a wide paintbrush she creates its three softly-cupped petals. Working inwardly using a very thin, delicate brush she carefully creates the fluffy stamen center. Then she picks up a slightly wider brush, adding the contrasting yellow of the anther. It sounds so simple in words, but I know it would not be for me to paint, only to capture in my lens…

Find this flower and others in our floral print store.

points of interest

A close relative of the common houseplant, Wandering Jew, this tradescantia is easily distinguishable in northern gardens for its slightly fleshy, narrow, sword-like leaves and bright blooms. Habit is arching, jointed/leggy and clump forming. Blossoms appear in terminal clusters with three wide open, triangular petals and a fluffy stamen center, early summer to autumn. It’s common name is derived from its spidery leaves and “wort” is for its many medicinal and culinary properties.

general care

Not picky, spiderworts grow in moist, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade. In southern climates, cut back plant after blooming to produce a second flush.

friday’s flower fact

Due to successional blooming, spiderworts appear to have a long bloom period, but in actuality, each flower only lasts one day.