Brainstorm Spiderwort

Brainstorm Spiderwort (Tradescantia 'Brainstorm') is a low maintenance, clumping groundcover perennial with steel blue-green, strappy leaves and vivid purple open flowers from early summer into autumn. It grows 30cm to 50cm tall and wide, thrives in sun or shade, and forms a tidy clump rather than a wandering mat. That makes it a far better-behaved cousin of the weedy tradescantias.

Why you'll love it

• Months of purple flowers. Deep purple blooms open from early summer right into autumn.
• Handsome blue-green foliage. The strappy leaves give a cool, grassy texture all year.
• Sun or shade. It grows in full sun or part shade, and even in exposed locations.
• Completely frost hardy. Frost simply cuts the foliage back, and it reshoots in spring.
• Unfussy about soil. It grows in limestone, clay or loam, provided the soil drains.

Where it works best

Shady underplanting. Plant 40cm apart beneath trees and shrubs for a cool, flowering carpet in tropical style or cottage gardens.

Path and border edging. A single row at 40cm spacing makes a soft, strappy edge that flowers for months.

Cottage garden groundcover. Mix it with other perennials where its deep purple adds a note of contrast.

Indoors. It also grows well as a houseplant in a bright position.

Growing Brainstorm Spiderwort in Australia

Position and climate. Sun or part shade, in sheltered or exposed positions. It suits almost every climate, from the tropics to cool temperate gardens, and it is completely frost hardy.

Soil. Any well-drained soil. It copes with limestone, clay or loam.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, around 12 weeks. It is not a thirsty plant once settled.

Pruning. In spring, cut back any foliage that has been damaged by frost. The sap can irritate skin and mouths, so wear gloves and keep pets from chewing it. Put trimmings in the bin, not in bushland.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Brainstorm Spiderwort as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small clump of strappy leaves on arrival, which bulks up fast in warm weather. Flowers follow from early summer once the clump has filled out. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all groundcovers
• Plants for partial shade
• Groundcovers for low maintenance gardens
• The best groundcovers for shade

Common questions

Is it invasive like other tradescantias?

Brainstorm is a non-invasive, clumping perennial rather than a creeping mat. As with any tradescantia, put cuttings in the bin rather than tipping them into bushland.

Will it flower in shade?

Yes. It grows and flowers in sun or part shade, though flowering is heaviest with a few hours of sun.

Is it safe for pets?

No. The sap can irritate skin and mouths, so it is best kept away from pets that chew plants.