Amethyst Kiss™ Spiderwort

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.