Our Own Little Spiderwort

Spiderwort flowers.

Every May since we moved into this house forty years ago, this little blue spiderwort has bloomed out on the side hill.  I think it is the prettiest little purple (blue?) flower.  This year we seem to have three plants, and I hope it continues to spread.

Our three little Tradescantia plants on the bank.

This plant is related to the plant you may know as Wandering Jew or Zebrina. 

Zebrina.

I usually have a hanging basket of the purple Zebrina, and I plan to go to the Farmer's Market today and get one.  We were there yesterday, and I forgot to get my Zebrina.

Purple Zebrina.

I don't know if the previous owner, who was quite a gardener, planted this or perhaps some bird just happened to drop some seeds in the bank.  Whatever, I look forward to this beautiful little blue flower blooming each year. Spiderworts can easily be propagated with cuttings which should be taken in the spring or early summer. Each year I think about taking cuttings and then forget, but this year I'm going to remember. 

p.s. I'm back from the Farmer's Market and here is the hanging basket of Zebrina I found.

Our hanging basket of purple Zebrina.