I'm not sure how this spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) is managing to survive, since it has become pretty severely overshadowed by a neighboring shrub. And yet, every time I walk by I notice it has several blooms on it that seem almost to glow in the dark recesses under the shrub. I am always attracted to blue flowers, which is probably why I planted this, but it wasn't 'till I looked through the macro lens that I really took a good look at the crazy yellow stamens or the fringe of blue filaments. Now I like Tradescantia even better. You may have also heard some odd lore about this plant. Apparently the stamen hairs change color in the presence of nuclear fallout. Hmmm. I'm not sure if that's this plant's particular superpower, or if it's just that this is the one that was chosen for the study, but if you notice your Tradescantia blooming with pink stamen hairs, I'd suggest relocating. Today I'm joining
Macro Monday, hosted by Lisa's Chaos.
Great macro shot. Such a pretty little flower--I have some in my yard. Mickie ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I think I will appreciate them even more now that I've taken a close look.
DeleteI do like spiderwort...I have them in my garden too! They just keep on going. New blooms each day under much neglect. Great plant!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I wish the blooms would stay open later in the day though. Mine usually are open only in the morning.
DeleteThanks for the heads up! I'll be the first to evacuate should my tradescantia turn pink on me. It's a really tough plant. If it starts to look raggedy this summer, just cut it back hard. It will put out fresh foliage and might bloom again. Great macro!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip! I'm trying to decide whether to move it out of the shade, but it's doing so well I think I'll leave it for now.
DeleteSpiderwort is a woodland plant, and does well in part shade, too. Greenspring Garden has them throughout their shady woods area. Mine is in full sun, and I keep forgetting to move it to a more hospitable area.
ReplyDeleteThanks. Well, it started in what I'd call part shade, but now I think I'd call it more like the Mines of Moria. But it seems happy enough for the moment.
DeleteBEAUTIFUL!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
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