Tinantia pringlei aka Spotted Widows Tears

Tinantia pringlei is known as spotted widow’s tears. It belongs to the spiderwort family, Commelinaceae. This low perennial comes from northeastern Mexico. Kew places it in a seasonally dry tropical climate. Kew classes its growth form as a subshrub. NC State describes it as a herbaceous perennial. Its species name honors Cyrus Pringle, a botanical collector. The RHS lists Commelinantia pringlei as a synonym.

The plant grows fast and forms a spreading mound. It reaches about 0.7–1.2 feet [0.20–0.36 metres] tall. Its spread reaches 1–2 feet [0.30–0.61 metres]. Thin, wiry stems have a purple tint. The smooth leaves grow alternately along these stems. Each leaf is simple, with an unbroken edge. Broad, lance-shaped blades have a gray-green base. Uneven purple marks cover their surface. Leaves measure 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] long. Their width ranges from 0.08–0.25 feet [0.03–0.08 metres]. In mild winters, plants may keep some or all leaves.

Flowers appear from summer through autumn at branch tips. Each cup-shaped bloom has three mauve to lavender-purple petals. The flowers grow singly rather than in dense clusters. Their long season adds color above the marked leaves. The blooms attract pollinators and can set seed themselves. Plants also sow their own seed in garden beds. Gardeners can raise more plants from seed or stem cuttings. Division offers another way to increase a planting.

Partial shade or partial sun suits this plant best. It also tolerates full sun and deep shade. Give it moist soil that drains well. It accepts sandy soil and loam, including organic-rich ground. It also tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. NC State lists USDA hardiness zones 7a through 11b. The plant tolerates coastal conditions and needs little upkeep. Deer tend to leave it alone. NC State reports few pest or disease problems.

Use it along borders or beside woodland paths. It also suits naturalized ground and broad group plantings. Containers and patio plantings offer other places to grow it. Its low mound can edge a shaded garden bed. Both its spotted leaves and flowers add garden interest. Self-sown seedlings may appear beyond the original planting. The supplied sources give no food-use or toxicity guidance.