Family: Commelinaceae

There are about 70 species of perennials in this genus from the Americas. T. fluminensis, wan­dering Jew, is popular for the greenhouse or as a house plant, while the hardy T. Ander­soniana Group and T. virginiana are popular plants for the mixed or herbaceous border.

Species

T. fluminensis, zone 9, wandering jew, is an invasive species with succulent stems and white flowers that root down at the nodes. This species and its cultivars are grown as container or basket plants in cool climates.

The hardy T. Andersoniana Group, zone 7, which con­tains many cultivars, and T. virginiana, common spiderwort or widow's tears, zone 7, are widely grown. These plants are ideal in perennial borders, where they will flower over a long period.

T. virginiana has deep purple flowers, while the garden cultivars grown pro-duce flowers in white, various shades of pink or red, and pale violet to the deepest purple.

Cultivation

In the greenhouse or conservatory, grow in pots of soilless potting compost and shade from direct sun. In the garden, grow in moisture-retentive soil in a sunny or partially shaded position, and cut hack stems after flow­ering. Propagate the tender species from soft tip cuttings in spring or summer, and the hardy perennials by division, in early spring.

Climate

There are species suited to various cli­matic zones.