Overview

Commelina coelestis is a perennial in the genus Commelina, part of the Commelinaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Commelina coelestis grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include groundcover, hanging baskets and containers. It is native to Southeast Asia.

About

Commelina coelestis is a perennial in the Commelinaceae often used where stems can trail or sprawl. It typically reaches about 0.5 m and suits ground cover, containers and hanging baskets. Plants prefer full sun on sandy, moist but well-drained soils and tolerate average UK winter conditions (H4).

About the genus

Commelina is a genus of approximately 208 species commonly called dayflowers due to the short lives of their flowers, and less often known as widow's tears. It is by far the largest genus of its family, Commelinaceae. The Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus of the 18th century named the genus after the two Dutch botanists Jan Commelijn and his nephew Caspar, each representing one of the showy petals of Commelina communis.

Wikipedia contributors, "Commelina", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Commelina

In the garden

Commelina coelestis is a Southeast Asian perennial in the Commelinaceae grown for its trailing habit and use as a surface-covering or basket plant. It normally tops out around 0.5 m and is commonly planted where stems can spill over pots or run across soil as a low ground cover. Give it a sunny position in free-draining, sandy soil and keep the root zone moist but never waterlogged; the species is described as preferring moist but well-drained conditions. Its hardiness is H4 (average), so it survives typical UK winters in much of the country without specialist protection. In areas with colder exposure, lift containers into a frost-free spot for the coldest weeks. Use Commelina coelestis in hanging baskets, window boxes and at the front of warm borders where trailing stems are visible. It also performs well on banks and slopes where quick surface cover is needed. Expect the main interest from its habit and seasonal display; monitor the outer stems and trim back any that become overly long to maintain a neat outline after the flowering season ends in September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Commelina

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Commelina coelestis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Height

0.5 m

Suggested uses

Groundcover, Hanging baskets, Containers

Native to

Southeast Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Commelina coelestis

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained sandy soil and full sun; keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning

Trim back to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Frequently asked questions