Commelina erecta (Slender Dayflower)

Commelina erecta (Slender Dayflower) is a vigorous perennial with erect to ascending stems, often branched, clad with widely spaced, lance-linear, bright-green leaves, 2-6 in. long (5-15 cm). Blooming for about 2 months in late spring to fall, beautiful bright blue flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), each with 2 large, ear-like, blue petals, one smaller white petal and yellow-tipped stamens bloom in small clusters. Borne at the tip of the stems and arising from the leaf axils near the top of the plant, each flower lasts only a day but there is such an abundance of flower buds that this plant is rarely out of blooms. This charming perennial wildflower provides attractive seasonal color in shady or sunny areas. Both the flowers and foliage are ornamental. The true blue color of the upper petals is very rare among wildflowers. Well suited to naturalized mass plantings in meadows or by wooded areas, Slender Dayflower reproduces by seeds and rhizomes and can become invasive in optimum growing conditions.

• Grows up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm).
• Performs best in fertile, sandy or rocky, dry to mesic, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Drought tolerant.
• Great for beds and borders, woodland gardens or cottage gardens.
• Virtually pest and disease free.
• Propagate by seed or by division in spring.
• Native throughout the Americas, Africa and western Asia.
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