Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Sweet Kate' (a.k.a. T. 'Blue and Gold')
WHY YOU SHOULD PLANT IT
Growing to about 45 cm high by 30 cm wide, 'Sweet Kate' is a cultivar of our wildly invasive native spiderwort. Unlike its parent, though, it doesn't spread all over the place. You never need to deadhead the brilliant cobalt flowers, which open for a day before the next batch comes along, so it seems to bloom for weeks and weeks. Best of all is its magnificent golden foliage.
WHERE TO PLANT IT
'Sweet Kate' tolerates semi-shade, though it does best with sun for at least four hours a day (but not blistering noontime sun, which will ruin it). It also needs moist soil and good drainage.
WHAT IT OFFERS
It's a great companion plant, providing perfectly harmonious contrast to blue grasses, silvery pulmonarias ( P. 'Majeste') or heucheras in a deep bronze or magenta. Make it the centre of a container or put it in a mixed border.
SOURCE AND COST
Once rare, this plant can now be found at Loblaws, other big box stores and most good nurseries. One will set you back $10 to $15, depending on its size.