Well, I thought for sure somebody more knowledgeable would pop in, but since no one did, here goes...

Here, spiderwort appears, blooms, dries out, goes to seed, & disappears.

It's the life cycle of the plant, similar to Dutch iris & some other spring-blooming flowers.

When it's obviously finished, brown & brittle, I cut it down & wait for spring.

Best luck with yours!

I'm in southern coastal NJ, so perhaps a little more like your climate, newton. I bought a tradescantia "Sweet Kate" last spring but didn't get it planted until this spring. It grew and flowered happily in part shade (full morning sun then dappled shade from noon on) through the summer into fall, with just a little slowdown in the hottest days of summer. from time to time I just snip off the spent blossoms, being careful not to remove emerging flower buds.

It overwintered well in my small greenhouse, still blooming lightly, during which time I took and rooted some cuttings that are now planted out in other parts of the garden.

Diane