boat lily
Tradescantia spathacea
MBG Plant of Merit 2020
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Blue, white
- Foliage color
- Gold/yellow, green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Loam
Garden uses
Notes
Boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea) is a perennial for borders, containers, and rock gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, loamy soil. It forms a slow growing, evergreen clump with green and purple foliage. It also tolerates drought, so it suits low care spots.
Pairs well with Sago palm, Northwind switchgrass, Speedwell, and Creeping fig.
Native range
Southern Mexico to Guatemala.