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Common Dayflower Commelina communis

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Asiatic dayflower
Phonetic Spelling
kom-uh-LIN-uh KOM-yoo-nis
This plant is an invasive species in North Carolina
Description

Commelina communis is a weedy sprawling plant which often roots at the joints of stems.  The flowers are blue/purple.  It is considered invasive in several States and resistant to herbicides.

Nonetheless, some gardeners encourage its growth as a ground cover in moist, woody areas.

This plant likes sun to partial shade.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#white flowers#blue flowers#fall interest#summer flowers#groundcover#wildflower garden#naturalized area#partial shade tolerant#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#full sun tolerant#white flowers#blue flowers#fall interest#summer flowers#groundcover#wildflower garden#naturalized area#partial shade tolerant#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Commelina
    Species:
    communis
    Family:
    Commelinaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern Europe to Japan and Indo-China
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Description:
    Commelina communis may have 3 petals that are blue (or blue and white) with yellow stamen. The flower has two large, blue petals and a smaller, white petal; the edges of the spathes are united near the base
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves are broadly lance-shaped to egg-shaped
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Problems:
    Invasive Species