Sweet Kate Spiderwort

Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate'

Nature Hills Nursery

Golden Foliage Spiderwort Flower Plant Blooms Purple-Blue All Season Long
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 1 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies
Perfect for Mass Planting in Cottage Gardens

$23⁷⁷ $31⁷⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Wet Soils, Deer-resistant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a to 12b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring, Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Blue, Purple
Native	Yes
Botanical Name	Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Sweet Kate
Class	Lamiales, Asparagales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Unlike the Elizabethan love song, this Sweet Kate will not run away and leave you plaining! The Sweet Kate Spiderwort (Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate') is a brightly colored and reliable perennial plant! This brilliant gold leaf form of Tradescantia. This new import from the UK is taking the gardening world by storm!

The brilliant golden long, arching grass-like foliage of Spiderworts looks very similar to a Daylily's. The clustered mounds quickly become highlighted with a procession of deep purple-blue flowers from late spring until fall! Sweet Kate flowers open broad and flat in the heat of the day, then wither and curl under to be replaced the next morning by a new batch of blooms! The three-petalled flowers are quickly replaced with new blooms and attract bees and butterflies!

When the stems of Spiderworts are cut, a viscous stem secretion is released which becomes threadlike and silky upon hardening, like a spider's web! That is how it got its name! Hardy perennials throughout USDA planting zones 5 to 8, these smaller plants grow just 12 inches tall but can mature 3 feet wide!

Planting and Application:

The clump-forming 'spidery' foliage is perfect as border plants along pathways and driveways, their fine-textured foliage sweeping the ground elegantly. Use as landscape bed edging and vibrant additions to Perennial and Cottage gardens!

Show off these brilliant plants for their bright foliage color by planting in rows or groupings to maximize their color! But you don't need to plant them in large drifts to enjoy their bright foliage. Spiderwort looks just as pretty as the thriller, spiller, and filler in container gardens and feature plantings alike!

Tolerating occasional wet soil, that tricky spot by the gutters or a Rain Garden are both fitting locations for these moisture-loving perennials! Brighten the shade and fill those high-moisture garden beds without worrying, Tradescantia are resilient and virtually indestructible, deer-resistant, adaptable, and long-blooming!

Deep Purple Blue Three-Petalled Flowers
Long Grassy Slender Bright Green-Gold Foliage
Flowers Last One Day - Quickly Replaced With New Spring til Fall
Pollinator-Friendly Brilliant Perennials
Fine-Textured Edging, Specimens, Container Plants & Rain Gardens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The golden foliage is brightest in full sun, but they tolerate partial shade as well. Any well-drained soil that is enriched and mulched to keep the roots cool is ideal for these cheerful herbaceous perennials! In drier settings provide regular moisture access and a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

If flowering slows, 'behead' Sweet Kate, and it will start to regrow and flower all over again! In the early spring, clean away the dead foliage from the year before. Being a vigorous grower, each plant becomes a true masterpiece!

Partial Shade & Full Sun In Cooler Climates
Well-Drained Rich Soil
Moderate to Higher Moisture Needs
Deadhead For Rebloom & Prune Early Spring
Deer Resistant Perennials

Order the brilliant gold and deep blue power combo of this lovely and lasting perennial! Sweet Kate Spiderwort will not leave your heart's affections wanting. Order now at NatureHills.com and begin enjoying these pretty perennials today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Sweet Kate Spiderwort suitable for?

Sweet Kate Spiderwort thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8. This reliable perennial handles cold winters well and performs consistently across this range. Plant it in spring after your last frost date for best establishment.

How tall and wide does Sweet Kate Spiderwort grow at maturity?

Sweet Kate Spiderwort stays compact at just 12 inches tall but spreads to form impressive 3-foot-wide clumps. This makes it perfect for edging borders or filling wide spaces in zones 5-8. Plan adequate spacing when planting, available at naturehills.com.

Does Sweet Kate Spiderwort prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

Sweet Kate Spiderwort thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. This moisture-loving perennial is specifically noted for "brightening the shade" in garden beds. Plant it in areas that receive dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade for best results.

What type of soil does Sweet Kate Spiderwort need to thrive?

Sweet Kate Spiderwort thrives in moist, well-draining soil and tolerates occasional wet conditions. This adaptable perennial handles that tricky spot by gutters or rain gardens where other plants struggle. Plant it in areas with consistent moisture for best results.

How often should I water Sweet Kate Spiderwort after planting?

Water Sweet Kate Spiderwort deeply twice weekly for the first month after planting. This moisture-loving perennial tolerates wet soil well, so don't worry about occasional overwatering. Once established, reduce to weekly watering unless rainfall is adequate.

Is Sweet Kate Spiderwort considered a fast-growing or slow-growing perennial?

Sweet Kate Spiderwort is a moderately fast-growing perennial that forms clustered mounds quickly and can mature to 3 feet wide while staying just 12 inches tall. It blooms continuously from late spring through fall in zones 5-8. Plant in groupings for maximum impact, as individual clumps establish and spread reliably each season.

Is Sweet Kate Spiderwort deer resistant?

Yes, Sweet Kate Spiderwort is deer resistant. This hardy perennial's resilient nature makes it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern. Plant it confidently in zones 5-8 as border edging or in groupings without worrying about deer damage.

What are the best companion plants to grow with Sweet Kate Spiderwort?

Sweet Kate pairs beautifully with Hostas, Heuchera, and ferns in shade gardens where its golden foliage creates striking contrast. Since it spreads 3 feet wide and blooms spring through fall in zones 5-8, plant it with taller perennials like Astilbe or Japanese Painted Fern as backdrop plants.

Does Sweet Kate Spiderwort require any special fertilizing or feeding?

Sweet Kate Spiderwort is virtually maintenance-free and doesn't require special fertilizing. These resilient perennials thrive in zones 5-8 without heavy feeding. A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring will support their continuous blooming from late spring through fall.

Should Sweet Kate Spiderwort be cut back in fall or left standing for winter?

Cut Sweet Kate Spiderwort back to 2-3 inches in late fall after the first hard frost in zones 5-8. The golden foliage will naturally die back, and cutting it down prevents winter mess while allowing the hardy crown to overwinter safely. Leave a short stub to mark the plant's location for spring emergence.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Sweet Kate Spiderwort

Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate'

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Sweet Kate Spiderwort suitable for?

How tall and wide does Sweet Kate Spiderwort grow at maturity?

Does Sweet Kate Spiderwort prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

What type of soil does Sweet Kate Spiderwort need to thrive?

How often should I water Sweet Kate Spiderwort after planting?

Is Sweet Kate Spiderwort considered a fast-growing or slow-growing perennial?

Is Sweet Kate Spiderwort deer resistant?

What are the best companion plants to grow with Sweet Kate Spiderwort?

Does Sweet Kate Spiderwort require any special fertilizing or feeding?

Should Sweet Kate Spiderwort be cut back in fall or left standing for winter?

Choose options

Sweet Kate Spiderwort

Tradescantia 'Sweet Kate'

Specifications

Description

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Sweet Kate Spiderwort suitable for?

How tall and wide does Sweet Kate Spiderwort grow at maturity?

Does Sweet Kate Spiderwort prefer full sun, partial shade, or full shade?

What type of soil does Sweet Kate Spiderwort need to thrive?

How often should I water Sweet Kate Spiderwort after planting?

Is Sweet Kate Spiderwort considered a fast-growing or slow-growing perennial?

Is Sweet Kate Spiderwort deer resistant?

What are the best companion plants to grow with Sweet Kate Spiderwort?

Does Sweet Kate Spiderwort require any special fertilizing or feeding?

Should Sweet Kate Spiderwort be cut back in fall or left standing for winter?