Plant Overview
A little known treasure. Stunning gentian-blue flowers are produced on short stems, daily from midsummer onwards. The dazzling flowers fade by late afternoon but are replaced by fresh ones each morning.
Works well in the border dotted among other low plants, on-masse as ground cover, or planted within a wildflower meadow scheme. Also looks wonderful in a pot or container.
Native to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico. We have found it quite hardy (it came through the 'Beast from the East' in 2017/2018 here) once established. Can self-seed, making stunning drifts with time.
The foliage of these plants is primarily on their flowering stems, so at certain times of the year, you may receive plants with little or no foliage. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Height and spread: 25cm x 25cm
Myth and Folklore
An infusion of the plant was used by Keres people as a strengthener for weakened tuberculosis patients. The Ramah Navajo give an infusion to livestock as an aphrodisiac.
Common name(s): Bird-bill Day Flower; Widow's Tears.
Syn: Commelina coelestis
