Dayflower vs. Spiderwort — What's the Difference?

Dayflowers, belonging to the genus Commelina, often display a distinct floral structure, usually characterized by two bright blue petals that tend to fade by afternoon. Spiderworts, from the genus Tradescantia, feature three vivid petals, which may persist in bloom for several days. This makes spiderworts more noticeable in gardens compared to the more transient dayflowers.

Dayflowers thrive in various environments but are particularly common in moist and shady locations. In contrast, spiderworts are adaptable to a range of habitats, including drier conditions, making them more versatile in different garden settings. The hardiness of spiderworts often makes them a more popular choice for diverse climates.

The foliage of dayflowers is typically narrow and grass-like, which blends into their surroundings easily. On the other hand, spiderworts have broader, lance-shaped leaves that make them more prominent in a landscape. This leaf contrast can influence gardeners’ choice depending on their aesthetic preferences.

Regarding propagation, dayflowers spread primarily through seeds, which allows them to pop up spontaneously around a garden. Spiderworts, however, can be propagated through seeds or division of their roots, offering gardeners more control over their spread and arrangement in garden designs.

Dayflowers are generally considered weeds in many settings due to their aggressive growth and ability to appear in unwanted areas. Whereas, spiderworts are often cultivated for their ornamental value, highlighting the different roles these plants can play in a garden context.