Tradescantia 'Innocence'

Tradescantia 'Innocence': Soft Glow, Subtle Strength

Delicate in appearance but resilient in the garden, Tradescantia 'Innocence' brings a luminous touch to lightly shaded borders with its pure white, three-petaled blooms. Flowering from late spring into early summer, these crisp, morning-opening blossoms contrast beautifully against narrow, arching blue-green foliage. Easy to grow and pollinator-friendly, this spiderwort offers quiet refinement and long-lasting performance—perfect for naturalistic plantings, cottage borders, and woodland edges.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Pure white with yellow stamens
• Flowering Period: Late spring to midsummer
• Foliage: Blue-green, grass-like, gently arching
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Innocence' is an excellent choice for brightening up part-shade gardens, where its clean white flowers can lift darker planting palettes. It integrates beautifully into woodland gardens and soft perennial borders, providing a steady bloom and a relaxed, natural form. Cut back after flowering to refresh foliage and encourage possible rebloom later in the season.

Companion Plants: Pair Tradescantia 'Innocence' with the silver-washed fronds of Athyrium 'Ghost', the marbled, pewter-toned foliage of Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls', and the warm yellow spires of Digitalis grandiflora for a cool, elegant blend of textures and tones that thrives in part shade and brings layered interest to summer borders.

Care Instructions: Plant in moist, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Water regularly during dry spells to support consistent bloom. Shear back after flowering to promote fresh growth and possible rebloom. Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour and shape.

History: A cultivated variety derived from North American spiderwort species, 'Innocence' was bred for its unusual white flowers and tidy growth habit—offering a soft, luminous alternative to bolder-coloured varieties.

Final Thoughts: Elegant and unassuming, Tradescantia 'Innocence' weaves quiet brightness into the garden, adding rhythm and refinement to spaces where light and shade meet.