Spider lily ‘Osprey’ (Tradescantia ‘Osprey’)
Spider lily ‘Osprey’ (Tradescantia ‘Osprey’) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Spider lily ‘Osprey’ (Tradescantia ‘Osprey’).
This plant is commonly known as spider lily ‘Osprey’.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: spider lily ‘Osprey’
Scientific name: Tradescantia ‘Osprey’
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Tufted
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Clay, Loam
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Spider lily ‘Osprey’ (Tradescantia ‘Osprey’) – Wouter Hagens, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
Other types of Tradescantia to consider:
See all Tradescantia
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Spider lily ‘Osprey’ (Tradescantia ‘Osprey’), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Spider lily ‘Osprey’ (Tradescantia ‘Osprey’) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, clay or loam.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Tradescantia ‘Osprey’ likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Spider lily ‘Osprey’ (Tradescantia ‘Osprey’) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Spider lily ‘Osprey’ (Tradescantia ‘Osprey’) – Wouter Hagens, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
