The Care and Facts of the Boat Lily

Names and Origins

• The boat lily goes by many common names. Among them are oyster plant, Moses-in-a-boat, boat plant and purple-leaf spiderwort. The plant originates in Mexico, the West Indies and parts of Central America. It goes under the scientific name Tradescantia spathacea or the alternative name Rhoeo spathacea. As an introduced species, the boat lily is considered an invasive plant in parts of Florida, where ideal growing conditions facilitate the rapid spread of this non-native perennial.

Plant Characteristics

• The long sword-shaped leaves grow from a central clump close to the ground. The leaves grow 6 to 12 inches wide. Individual leaves are 1 to 3 inches wide and come in two-tone colors consisting or dark purple and dark green as well as single color green-leaf varieties. Three petal boat-shaped flowers bloom periodically throughout the year in warm climates. The boat lily spreads laterally as clumps increase from underground root sections. Individual plants grow 12 to 24 inches wide. Colonies grow close together, giving the effect of a single large plant covering the ground.

Growing Boat Lilies

• Adaptable and hardy, the boat lily grows in a variety of soil and growing conditions. The plant thrives in full hot sun but tolerates some shade. It grows best in rich damp soil conditions but can tolerate dry rocky areas and poor soil. Boat lilies are well suited for rock gardens where soil is limited. Grow boat lilies as a ground cover, plant it in rows to create colorful neat borders around patios and flower gardens or use it in rock gardens, planted rock walls and other difficult areas. The boat lily is well suited for patio planters in hot sunny spots.

Care and Propagation

• Water boat lilies in hot dry weather to keep them looking lush and vibrant. These hardy plants survive drought but can suffer unsightly leaf damage and experience slow growth. Fertilize using a balanced fertilizer in spring and again in summer. Propagate by digging up and dividing the clumps. Pull the long roots apart with your fingers and replant the sections. Each new developing plant section has a long root and a immature set of leaves on top.