How to Grow Commelina
Commelina
Commelina communis
flowerCommelina is a delicate ornamental flowering plant known for its striking blue three-petaled flowers that bloom in summer and fall. Native to East Asia, it produces charming ephemeral blooms that last only one day but appear in succession throughout the growing season. The plant features lance-shaped leaves and a spreading, somewhat sprawling growth habit.
When should you plant Commelina in your zone?
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Example Commelina timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Commelina
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Commelina blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Commelina dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9; grows as annual in cooler zones
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Get my Commelina timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny emerging plants with first true leaves appearing; very delicate at this stage
Keep soil moist and provide gentle indirect light; avoid overwatering which causes damping off
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems and lance-shaped green leaves; bushy spreading growth
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier form; maintain consistent moisture; feed with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks
Flowering
8-12 weeksThree-petaled blue flowers (sometimes with white or purple variations) appear at leaf axils; each bloom lasts one day but new flowers continuously emerge
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; maintain steady watering and feeding; provide afternoon shade in hot climates
Seed Production
4-6 weeksIf flowers are not deadheaded, small seed capsules develop and mature to brown; seeds can self-sow
Allow some flowers to set seed if desired for next season; collect seed pods before they shatter
Dormancy (Perennial)
3-4 monthsIn zones 6-9, plant dies back or goes semi-dormant in winter; in tropical zones, growth may slow but plant persists
Reduce watering significantly; cut back dead growth; mulch in colder zones for winter protection
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity by misting; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves
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Dab with alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil; maintain good air circulation
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and
Hand-pick at night; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth around plants; remove hiding spots
Uses
Traditional Asian cuisine
CulinaryCommelina leaves and tubers are used in traditional East Asian cooking, particularly in Chinese cuisine where they are called 'dayflower.' The plant is valued as a nutritious green vegetable. [source]
Traditional herbal medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese medicine, Commelina is used to treat inflammation, fever, and respiratory conditions. The plant contains compounds believed to have cooling and detoxifying properties. [source]
Natural dye
HouseholdThe blue flowers of Commelina can be used to create natural blue dyes for textiles and crafts, though the color is not entirely permanent. [source]
Cut flowers and arrangements
HouseholdThough ephemeral, the delicate blue flowers make charming additions to fresh flower arrangements and garden displays when cut early in the morning. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeCommelina flowers attract bees and other pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator gardens and supporting local ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Commelina is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Enjoy blooms in the garden or cut individual flowers for small arrangements early in the morning when they are freshest (though they will close by afternoon as they are ephemeral). Collect mature seed pods in late summer if you want to save seeds for next season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Commelina flowers are true ephemeral flowers, blooming only for a single day—they open in the morning and close by afternoon, earning the common name 'dayflower.'
- 🌱 The plant is named after the Commelin brothers, Dutch botanists and horticulturists of the 17th century; the three petals symbolize the three brothers, two prominent and one less visible.
- 🌱 Commelina has been used for over 2,000 years in Asian traditional medicine and cuisine, making it one of the oldest cultivated plants in East Asia.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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