Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Sweet Kate'

GOLDEN SPIDORWORT
syn. Tradescantia 'Blue and Gold'
Family: Commelinaceae
Pronounced: trad-es-KAN-tee-uh   an-der-soh-nee-AH-na

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Garden.
Plant group:
Perennials.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 1-24, H1.
USDA zones: 5-9.
Heat zones: 9-5.
Mature size:
Height: 16-24 inches (40-60 cm).
Width: 18-24 inches (45-60 cm).
Flowering period:
Early summer to early autumn.
Flowering attributes:
Three triangle-shaped, purple-blue flowers with hairy stamens.
Leaf attributes:
Arching, branching stems with narrow, grass-like, 14-inch long, lanceolate golden leaves.
Growth habit:
Clumping.
Light:
Sun, Morning sun with afternoon shade and dappled shade.
Soil:
Moist, well-drained, acidic, humus-rich soil.
Feeding:
Side dress with compost, manure or leaf mold. Fertilize monthly spring through early summer with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation methods:
Root stem tip cuttings in water or soil at any time during the growing season.
Pruning methods:
Deadhead spent flower clusters to prolong blooming. If plant declines during the hotter periods of summer, cut back to the ground to rejuvenate the foliage and encourage more flowers.
Pests and Diseases:
Protect plants from slugs and snails.

 

Rainy Side Notes

I haven't grown this beautiful plant in my own garden, but have admired it in others. I don't know what I am waiting for, as this is a gracefully arching, long blooming plant with gorgeous leaves—a real show stopper. And unlike other Tradescantias it doesn't travel about the garden.

This cultivar was discovered in Mrs. Stevens' garden in England and it was named in honor of her blonde-haired daughter Kate. 'Sweet Kate' reportedly was renamed 'Blue and Gold' after it was brought to the states; however, the Royal Horticultural Society lists both names separately in their database. The beauty of this perennial is its golden grass-like foliage and deep blue flowers that grace the garden the entire summer season well into fall.

In the Northwest, we can get away with full sun without the foliage burning, but remember, I haven't grown 'Sweet Kate' in my garden yet to test this out. In shadier conditions, the foliage will be greener than its typical golden-green. When I plant this cultivar, I am opting for morning sun with some afternoon shade, which I believe will give best results. I will update how it grows when I have a few seasons with this plant. I can't wait!

Photographed at Old Goat's Farm in Orting, Washington.