Description
‘Hopleys Variegated’ dayflower (Commelina tuberosa Coelestis Group) bears intense blue flowers from early or midsummer into fall, with green leaves that are irregularly striped with light yellow to yellow-green. Each flower lasts only one day, opening early in the morning and usually closing by afternoon, with new ones appearing daily for months. The plants typically reach 1 to 2 feet tall but tend to sprawl a bit as the summer progresses. ‘Hopleys Variegated’ dayflower shows off particularly well in a container planting. Full sun to light shade.
You can grow this dayflower as an annual, but if you bring the clump indoors in fall and overwinter it dormant, it will perform even better the following year, with denser growth, earlier blooming, and more flowers. (You could treat the clump of tuberous roots as you would dahlias, or do as I do: Cut off the top growth once it gets nipped by frost; bring the whole container into a cool but frost-free place and let the growing medium stay on the dry side;, then take it back outside after all danger of frost in spring and water to promote new growth.)
Note that this species closely resembles Asiatic dayflower (C. communis), which is considered invasive in some areas. As far as I can tell, C. tuberosa is not classified as being invasive anywhere in the US. But if you are concerned that it might be a problem in your area, then do not buy these seeds.
Collected in mid to late August 2023. At least 10 seeds. Shipping to US addresses only.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Jill cogswell (verified owner) –