Day Flower (Commelina coelestis): Blue Blooms for Shade

Commelina coelestis, known as Day Flower, Widow's Tears, or Blue Spiderwort, is a charming, low-growing perennial with delicate, true-blue, three-petaled flowers that open in the morning and fade by afternoon—hence "day flower."

Botanical Profile

Culture & Charm

Native to Mexico and Central America, this spreading perennial forms a mat 12–18 inches tall. The lance-shaped leaves are soft green. The 1-inch flowers are a rare, clear sky-blue with white centers, produced profusely from summer to frost. Each lasts one day, but succession is continuous.

It thrives in partial to full shade, moist, well-drained soil. Hardy in zones 7–10; in colder zones, it may self-sow as an annual. Use as a groundcover in woodland gardens, under shrubs, or in containers. The ephemeral blue blooms add a cooling touch to shady corners. Easy, cheerful, and non-aggressive.