Ohio Spiderwort
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Ohio Spiderwort - Premium #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
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$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Buying Options for Plants
Nature Hills sells a large variety of plants with several options available. Plants are offered in both potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. Here is a helpful resource to understand your options as you create a beautiful landscape with help from Nature Hills.
Ever wonder what a larger plant will mean for your landscape? Container Sizes are really all about the age of the plant!
Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.
- Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.
- Popular sizes of select bare root plants is 1 foot, 18 inches, etc.
Nature Hills Container Size by Volume
Keep in mind, specific varieties and different growing conditions can affect the rate at which plants grow. Variations in size may occur.
Young Plants to 18 Months | ||
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Size | Volume | |
2"x2"x3" | Ranges from | .18 to .21 dry quarts / .198 to .23 dry liters in volume |
4.5" Container | Equal to | .65 dry quart / .72 dry liter in volume |
Sprinter Pot | Equal to | .63 dry quart / .69 dry liter in volume |
4" Container | Ranges from | .31 to .87 / .35 to .96 dry liter in volume |
6" Container | Equal to | 1.4 dry quarts / 1.59 dry liters in volume |
1 Quart | Equal to | 1 dry quart / 1.1 dry liter in volume |
5.5" Container | Equal to | 1.89 of a dry quart / 2.08 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x5" | Ranges from | .8 to 1.1 dry quarts / .88 to 1.2 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x6" | Ranges from | 1.0 to 1.3 dry quarts / 1.1 to 1.41 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x9" | Ranges from | 1.1 to 2.1 dry quarts / 1.2 to 2.3 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x10" | Ranges from | 1.7 to 2.3 dry quart / 1.87 to 2.53 dry liters in volume |
Plants 18 Months - 2.5 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
2 Quart | Equal to | 2 dry quarts / 2.2 dry liters in volume |
#1 Container | Ranges from | 2.26 to 3.73 dry quarts / 2.49 to 4.11 dry liters in volume |
5"x5"x12" | Equal to | 3.5 to 4.3 dry quarts / 3.85 to 4.74 dry liters in volume |
Plants 2 - 4 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
#2 Container | Ranges from | 1.19 to 1.76 dry gallons / 5.24 to 7.75 dry liters in volume |
#3 Container | Ranges from | 2.32 to 2.76 dry gallons / 10.22 to 12.16 dry liters in volume |
Plants 3 - 5 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
#5 Container | Ranges from | 2.92 to 4.62 dry gallons / 12.86 to 20.35 dry liters in volume |
#6 Container | Ranges from | 5.25 to 6.01 dry gallons / 23.12 to 26.42 dry liters in volume |
#7 Container | Ranges from | 5.98 to 6.08 dry gallons / 26.34 to 26.78 dry liters in volume |
Plant Highlights
Ohio Spiderwort highlights at a glance!
Plant Highlights
Plant Highlights
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer, Late Spring

Growing Zones
Ohio Spiderwort: A Native Pollinator Magnet!
A pretty purple native wildflower, the Ohio Spiderwort (Tradescantia ohiensis) is a resilient, clumping native perennial that brings electric color and wildlife value to any sunny garden space. With its vivid blue-violet to lavender three-petaled blooms, this herbaceous beauty bursts into action from late spring into early summer and may sporadically rebloom later in the season!
Also known as Bluejacket, when flowering, small clusters open each morning, with each individual bloom lasting just a single day—yet the plant keeps pumping out new buds in succession. Known for attracting bees and butterflies, Ohio Spiderwort is non-fragrant but makes up for it with charm, color, and adaptability! It's a native wildflower workhorse for sunny or lightly shaded areas, especially in prairie, cottage gardens, or meadow-style gardens.
Its form is upright, reaching 2-3 feet tall and 18-30 inches wide with graceful arching stems that sometimes lean or flop a bit by midsummer. Previously known as Smooth Spiderwort, the long, narrow sword-shaped leaves are grass-like, adding texture and motion to the garden even when it's not in bloom. After blooming, seed capsules form that can self-sow lightly if left in place.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
Key Features
- Native perennial wildflower with a clump-forming habit
- Violet-blue to lavender three-petalled blossoms from late spring to early summer
- Long, slender grass-like leaves with lovely texture
- Deer and rabbit-resistant
- Pollinator-friendly; attracts bees and butterflies
- Tolerates clay soil and light shade
- Cold hardy in USDA Zones 4–9
Landscaping Uses
Native from the Midwest to the eastern U.S., Tradescantia ohiensis is beloved for its toughness and cultural significance. Used historically by Indigenous peoples for medicinal salves and infusions, it's also symbolic of resilience and calm in the face of adversity. The soft, arching mounds blend beautifully in naturalized or structured spaces!
- Great in native plant gardens or prairie-style beds
- Excellent in cottage, mixed perennial, or wildflower meadows
- Use in rain gardens or low spots with moisture
- Perfect along sunny borders or woodland edges
- Lovely in mixed containers (with support or companions)
- Does well in both prairie restoration sites and home gardens alike
- Softens hardscape edges like paths or patios
- Great for erosion control around moist areas, streams, and water gardens
Care and Maintenance
The foliage may go dormant in heat or drought but often returns with cooler temps or a haircut. Related to other Spiderworts like Tradescantia virginiana, it thrives in USDA Zones 4–9, handling clay soil, urban pollution, and everything Ma Nature throws its way!
Spiderwort tolerates dry spells once established, and drier conditions when planted in more shade. Ohio Spiderwort is an herbaceous perennial, meaning it dies back in fall and returns each spring. It's a sturdy, low-maintenance native that handles diverse soil types and partial shade.
- Planting Time: Spring or fall
- Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Needs: Adaptable; prefers well-drained loam but tolerates clay and poor soils
- Moisture Needs: Moderate moisture; tolerates drought once established
- Arborist Mulch: Apply a 3–4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilization Needs: Generally low; a layer of compost in spring helps vigor
- Pruning Info: Shear back after bloom to encourage fresh foliage and potential rebloom. Cut back to ground in mid-summer if foliage declines or after frost
- Division Info: Divide clumps every 3–5 years in spring or fall to rejuvenate
- Special Needs/Perks:
- Deer and rabbit-resistant
- Tolerates urban pollution and compacted soils
- Can self-seed lightly in ideal conditions
Ohio Spiderwort Belongs In Your Garden!
You'll be caught in the web of Ohio Spiderwort's simple beauty and tough spirit. With its brilliant, fleeting flowers and graceful grassy foliage, this native perennial weaves charm, wildlife value, and easy care into your garden tapestry. Let this resilient bloomer bring in pollinators and naturalize quietly without fuss.
Order now at Nature Hills Nursery and we'll ship at the ideal planting time for your growing zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio Spiderwort invasive?
No, it is a native plant and not considered invasive. It may self-seed lightly but is easy to manage.
Does Ohio Spiderwort bloom all summer?
It blooms mainly in late spring to early summer but may rebloom if cut back after the first flush.
Will Spiderwort grow in shade?
Yes, it tolerates part shade, though it blooms best with at least 4–6 hours of sun per day.
Is Ohio Spiderwort good for pollinators?
Absolutely—it attracts native bees, bumblebees, and butterflies!
Does Ohio Spiderwort spread?
It forms clumps and can slowly spread into larger clumps over time. Division keeps it tidy and promotes vigor.
Can Ohio Spiderwort grow in clay soil?
Yes, it's very tolerant of clay and poor soils, making it ideal for tough spots.
Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?
Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!