Boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea)
The Boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea) is a low-maintenance perennial prized for its purple-backed foliage and unique white flowers.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Boat lily, scientifically known as Tradescantia spathacea, is a highly ornamental, clump-forming evergreen perennial valued for its striking, two-toned foliage. Its narrow, stiffly-ascending leaves feature deep green surfaces strongly contrasted by rich purple undersides, making it a fantastic textural element even when not in bloom. This plant is celebrated for its ease of culture and adaptability across various tropical and subtropical garden settings.
Native to Southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, Tradescantia spathacea spreads moderately to form a dense ground cover. Its most distinctive feature, aside from the foliage, is the unique blooming structure: small white flowers nestled within long-lasting, boat-shaped purple bracts, earning it the common name Moses-in-a-basket. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its low maintenance requirements and year-round visual interest.
Whether used to carpet shady areas outdoors or as a cheerful houseplant indoors, the robust nature of Tradescantia spathacea ensures reliable performance. It provides excellent contrast against lighter-colored plants and thrives where tougher, drought-tolerant ground covers are needed, establishing quickly once settled.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Commelinaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-1 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: White with blue blush
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant the Boat lily during mild weather, leveraging its tolerance for rocky soils, though consistently moist but well-drained conditions are ideal during the active growing season. For the brightest foliage color, aim for filtered or partial sun; while it can tolerate full, direct sun, ensure afternoon protection, or anticipate leggier growth and reduced color saturation in deep shade.
Routine care is minimal. Water deeply during the growing season, maintaining relatively moist soil, but significantly reduce watering from fall through late winter, especially if overwintering indoors. Established plants show good drought tolerance. Feed sparingly, if at all, as abundant feeding can sometimes reduce foliage vibrancy.
If pruning is necessary to control size or shape, perform it hard in very early spring before new growth surges. Propagating Tradescantia spathacea is extremely easy; plants readily establish from seeds, divisions, or simple stem cuttings taken throughout the growing season. For indoor cultivation, use a peaty, soil-based potting mix, and feel free to move potted plants outside for summer enjoyment.
Landscape Uses
The spreading habit of Tradescantia spathacea makes it an outstanding choice for ground cover applications, rapidly filling in areas beneath taller shrubs or trees where consistent coverage is desired. Outdoors, this plant forms an excellent, durable carpet, often used successfully in rock gardens accentuating hardscape elements.
Beyond ground leveling, the color contrast of the Boat lily lends itself well to borders, providing a low, textural edge that draws the eye down to the planting line. Its robust nature means it can naturalize easily in suitable climates, creating drifts of purple and green.
When grown indoors or in containers, it excels as a spillover plant. Whether placed on shelves or in hanging baskets, the cascading effect of the stiff, sword-shaped leaves offers year-round tropical appeal as a low-fuss houseplant.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Tradescantia spathacea, commonly called Moses-in-a-basket or oyster plant, is a clump-forming evergreen perennial that is native to southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. It is widely cultivated in tropical areas because of its attractive foliage, typically growing as a rosette of stiff, sword-shaped leaves with purple undersides. White flowers emerge in axillary cymes enclosed by long-lasting, boat-shaped, purple bracts, providing visual interest throughout the year.
Tolerances
- Needs reduced watering from fall to late winter
- Established plants have drought tolerance
Potential Problems
Rot is the primary cultural concern, occurring if soils are kept excessively moist, especially during cooler periods. Horticulturists should also monitor for common indoor/greenhouse pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, whiteflies, and spider mites. Regular inspection and prompt treatment with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap are effective management strategies if infestations occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Boat lily suitable for?
The Boat lily, Tradescantia spathacea, is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9 through 11 outdoors.
How large does Tradescantia spathacea grow?
This plant typically reaches a height between 0.5 to 1 foot tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet wide as it matures.
What sun exposure does Tradescantia spathacea need?
It prefers full sun to part shade; filtered or partial sun yields the best foliage color without stressing the plant.
When does Boat lily bloom?
Tradescantia spathacea is a seasonal bloomer, offering small white flowers with a blue blush nestled in prominent purple bracts.
Conclusion
The aesthetic appeal and exceptional low maintenance make the Boat lily (Tradescantia spathacea) a garden workhorse suitable for both container accent and dense ground covers. Its vivid purple undersides provide constant texture, perfectly complementing the unique white blooms. Before planting, verify that your area falls within USDA Zones 9-11 or plan to cultivate it as a wonderful houseplant.
Propagation Tips
The ease of propagation is a significant benefit of growing Tradescantia spathacea. Stem cuttings root quickly in moist soil or water, providing an effortless way to expand your planting or share this attractive perennial with friends. Divisions are another simple method; lift clumps during early spring or late fall and separate the natural offsets to create new, established plants almost immediately.
Companion Planting
Due to its preference for consistently moist, well-drained soil and its tolerance for sun or partial shade, Tradescantia spathacea pairs well with many structural perennials. Consider planting it alongside plants that thrive in similar conditions but offer contrasting textures, such as hostas in shadier spots, or ornamental grasses that enjoy similar sun exposure and medium water requirements. Its low profile also makes it an excellent edging plant next to medium-sized tropical foliage plants.
