[2][3][4] It is characterized by its purple-splotched spathes with free margins, its bright blue petals of equal size, its tuberous roots, and its four to ten flowered lower cymes.

Horticulturally, the species are often treated as separate entities because of their differing habits and leaf shapes.

In this sense, Commelina tuberosa is a low-growing plant with long narrow leaves.

Being a warm temperate plant which dislikes temperatures below −5 °C (23 °F), in cooler areas it must be lifted and stored in the winter months.

It prefers a sunny or partially shaded sheltered spot in the garden.