Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort

Name: Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 20281
Price: 30.25 USD
Availability: InStock

Tradescantia 'Radtrad'

Nature Hills Nursery

$30²⁵

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for 4–6 hours of direct morning sun or all-day dappled sun. In cooler climates (Zones 3–5), full sun is excellent for maximizing blooms, but in hot, southern regions (Zones 7–9), afternoon shade is essential to prevent leaf scorch and premature summer dormancy.
Soil: This plant is adaptable but performs best in soil that is rich, fertile, and, most importantly, consistently moist yet well-drained. If you have heavy clay, amend the area generously with compost and peat moss to improve drainage and prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.

Watering Requirements

For newly planted stock, keep the soil consistently and reliably moist through the first growing season to ensure robust root establishment. Once mature, Amethyst Kiss™ is moderately drought-tolerant, but to maintain its incredibly long bloom period from early summer to frost, provide consistent moisture. Inconsistent watering, especially during summer heat, will cause the foliage to look ragged, reduce the size of the daily blooms, and may send the plant into early dormancy.

Pruning Tips

Spiderwort blooms on new wood, meaning the flowers appear on the current season's growth. The primary pruning technique is the "Chelsea chop" or mid-season shearing: once the first major flush of blooms slows down in mid-summer, cut the entire plant back by about one-third. This removal of leggy, spent foliage encourages a dense, bushy second flush of growth and ensures a tidy, heavy rebloom that can last until fall.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular perennial fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 NPK ratio) in early spring as new growth emerges. A single, moderate feeding is usually sufficient to fuel the entire growing season. What to avoid: Do not apply high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer late in the season, as this encourages soft, new growth that is highly susceptible to damage from an early frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

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.

Lovely Tri-Petaled Beauties Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort!

Unique 3-Petaled Amethyst Blooms
Long Grass-Like Bright-Green Foliage
Forms Large Clumps
Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Very Long Bloom Period!
Full Sun to Full Shade!

Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort (Tradescantia 'Radtrad') is a unique and adaptable native selection that produces large clusters of amethyst blooms! Each with 3 petals in amethyst, with bright yellow stamen highlighting each center!

Clusters of cheery blooms rise above thin foliage of bright green! Forming clumps, these tolerant beauties thrive about anywhere!

Longest blooming of all Spiderwort, Amethyst Kiss starts early summer through falls frost!

How to Use Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort In The Landscape

Clump-forming 'spidery' foliage is perfect as border plants and vibrant additions to Perennial and Cottage gardens!

Tolerating occasional wet soil, that tricky spot by the gutters or a Rain garden are both fitting locations for these moisture-loving perennials!

Fantastic in containers, these unique blooms add whimsy and curiosity plus loads of pollinators!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Growing in USDA zones 3-9, Amethyst Kiss tolerates a wide amount of sunlight, full sun plants in cooler climates, and full shade in hot zones and grow in any amount of sun in between.

Best in organically rich, fertile soil that is consistently moist but well-drained and even tolerant of slightly acidic soils.

Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort is a fantastic long-blooming addition to your garden this year! For a unique and colorful native perennial with superb adaptability, order yours from Nature Hills today!

Botanical Name

Tradescantia 'Radtrad'
Class
- Lamiales
- Asparagales
Species

hybrid
Cultivar

Radtrad
Growing Zones

3-9
Height

1-2 ft
Width

1 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Blue
- Purple
Leaf Color
- Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 3-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What planting zones is Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort hardy in?

Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates. This native perennial tolerates both cold winters and hot summers across most of the continental United States. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best establishment.

What is the size at maturity for Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort, including height and width?

Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort typically reaches 12-18 inches tall and spreads 18-24 inches wide at maturity. This clump-forming perennial develops its full size by the second growing season in zones 3-9. Give it adequate spacing for its spreading habit when planting from naturehills.com.

Does Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort grow well in USDA zone 5 or colder climates?

Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort thrives in USDA zones 3-9, making it excellent for zone 5 and colder climates. In cooler zones, it can handle full sun conditions and will bloom from early summer through fall frost. Plant in consistently moist, well-drained soil for best results.

What are the care requirements for Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort, like watering and soil type?

Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort thrives in organically rich, consistently moist but well-draining soil across USDA zones 3-9. It adapts to full sun in cooler climates or full shade in hot areas. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture, especially during dry spells.

How much sun or shade does Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort need?

Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort thrives in full sun to full shade, making it incredibly versatile for zones 3-9. In cooler climates, plant in full sun; in hot regions, provide full shade. This adaptability makes it perfect for any garden spot when you shop at Nature Hills.

Is Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort deer resistant?

Spiderwort is generally deer resistant due to its somewhat bitter taste and texture that deer typically avoid. While no plant is 100% deer-proof, Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort's native adaptability in zones 3-9 makes it a reliable choice for deer-prone areas. Plant in clusters for best impact and protection.

Will Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort tolerate clay soil or poor drainage?

Amethyst Kiss Spiderwort tolerates occasional wet soil and moisture-loving conditions. While it prefers well-drained soil, this adaptable native can handle clay better than most perennials. Plant in organically rich soil when possible, but don't worry if drainage isn't perfect.

How do I prune Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort to keep it tidy and encourage reblooming?

Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through fall frost. Cut back foliage by one-third in mid-summer if plants become leggy. This promotes fresh growth and extends the exceptionally long bloom period that makes this spiderwort special.

What is the bloom time and duration for Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort flowers?

Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort blooms from early summer through fall frost, making it the longest blooming of all Spiderwort varieties. The amethyst-colored, three-petaled flowers appear in large clusters above bright green foliage. Plant in consistently moist, well-drained soil for best bloom performance.

Is Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort shipped bare root or potted?

Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort is shipped as a potted plant, not bare root. This hardy perennial (zones 3-9) establishes quickly from containers and can be planted throughout the growing season. Plant in organically rich, consistently moist soil for best results.