Tradescantia 'Concord Grape'

Tradescantia 'Concord Grape': Juicy Colour, Easy Elegance

Bursting with deep violet blooms and rich, strappy foliage, Tradescantia 'Concord Grape' brings bold colour and effortless grace to sunny and lightly shaded gardens. Its vibrant, three-petaled flowers open each morning in early summer, standing out against upright blue-green leaves that form an attractive clump. Long-blooming and low-maintenance, this spiderwort is a reliable performer that provides colour continuity in mixed borders and pollinator plantings alike.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 45–60 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Rich grape-purple with yellow stamens
• Flowering Period: Late spring to midsummer
• Foliage: Arching, grass-like blue-green leaves
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Concord Grape' is ideal for perennial borders, rain gardens, and informal plantings where long bloom and low maintenance are essential. Its quick growth and upright habit help it mingle naturally with both bold and fine-textured companions. A favourite among bees, it's especially effective in adding a punch of colour to early summer plantings, and can rebloom if lightly cut back after flowering.

Companion Plants: Pair Tradescantia 'Concord Grape' with the ruffled, candy-pink blooms of Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy', the cool-toned, cascading blades of Carex 'Blue Zinger', and the spired purple flowers of Digitalis 'Dalmatian Purple' for a vibrant, pollinator-friendly planting that thrives in sun to light shade.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water during dry periods for best performance. After the main bloom, shear back to encourage fresh foliage and potential rebloom. Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to maintain vigour.

History: A cultivated form of the North American native spiderwort, 'Concord Grape' was selected for its saturated flower colour and dependable garden performance, offering bold impact with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts: Colourful, adaptable, and full of seasonal life, Tradescantia 'Concord Grape' is a juicy jewel for the early summer garden—perfect for weaving bold threads through layered plantings.