Cyanotis somaliensis

Rapidly growing perennial herbaceous plant with bluish flowers, used as a hanging plant in pots or as a ground cover, outdoors in fairly mild climates.

Cyanotis is a very easy to care for plant, magnificent in a pot, where it forms real round and dense cushions. Also suitable for small spaces and dimly lit apartments, where however it struggles to flourish; better is a position with a few hours of sun and relocation outside once the bad season has passed. In the open ground it forms very dense carpets.

Classification
Common name: Somali Tradescanzia, Cat's Ears, pussy ears, Furry Kittens
Genus and species: Cyanotis somaliensis
Cultivars: -
Family: Commelinaceae.

Characteristics
Description of flowers: Small, feathery, three-petalled, in the leaf axils.
Flower color: Blue-purple.
Flowering period: Summer.
Leaves: Alternate, lanceolate, succulent and hairy. Green if in the shade and watered regularly; glaucous if in the sun and in drought.
Perfume: -
Dimensions: The plant expands indefinitely, growing depending on the space and land it has available: where it crawls and takes root, carpeting the ground. Height about 15 cm.

Cultivation
Exposure: Sun, partial shade, shade (it grows equally well in shade and partial shade, but does not flower)
Soil: Very well drained.
Irrigation: As needed, without excesses or stagnation.
Frost hardiness: USDA 9, as long as it stays dry in winter.

Care
Pruning: Trimming to trim the plant, during the period of active growth (spring-summer).
Propagation: From cuttings with more than 20°C.

Notes of interest
Awards: Plant RHS Award Garden Merit (AGM).