Tradescantia 'Innocence' is a clump forming spiderwort cultivar valued for its graceful white three petaled flowers that open each morning and fade by evening. Its slender grasslike foliage creates a soft mounding form making it suitable for naturalistic borders or shady rain gardens. 'Innocence' blooms reliably from late spring into summer and tolerates a variety of soil conditions including moisture fluctuations.
Height & Spread: 15 - 18 in x 12 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Tolerant of clay and average garden soils with seasonal moisture
Watering Needs: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture but tolerates short dry spells
Deer Resistance: Foliage and sap are mildly unpalatable to deer and rabbits
Native Status
Derived from North American native Tradescantia virginiana and related species, 'Innocence' carries ornamental traits while maintaining adaptability for ecological gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to bumblebees and sweat bees, which are early morning foragers and match the flower’s daily opening cycle.
Butterflies
- Visited by smaller butterflies including Pearl Crescents and hairstreaks that utilize Tradescantia as a nectar source.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports hoverflies and parasitic wasps which feed on pollen and contribute to pest control.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 12 - 18 in apart to allow clumps to expand while preserving airflow.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for rain gardens, perennial borders, naturalized meadows, and woodland edges. Provides soft texture and morning color beneath taller perennials.
Companion Plants
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Upright native grass adds structure and turns burgundy in fall, complementing Tradescantia’s fading foliage.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Bright golden flowers provide a bold midsummer contrast to fading spiderwort blooms.
- Amsonia tabernaemontana (Bluestar) - Airy pale blue flowers and fine foliage pair naturally with the form and bloom timing of Tradescantia.
- Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' - Large light green foliage and late summer white spikes echo Tradescantia’s flower tone and extend interest.
- Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium) - Delicate lavender flowers bloom early and fill in shaded spaces among Tradescantia clumps.