Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! The plant withstands heavy foot traffic and tolerates full sun, partial shade or full shade. Blue Star Creeper is a ground cover plant that thrives in full sun. Semi-evergreen, it forms a thick matt covered with light blue flowers from spring into fall. Tiny light blue star-shaped flowers cover the plant in spring. The flowers appear in early spring and go away in the later summer. He is also more than happy to fill in the gaps between the steps, under the bushes or on the bulbs that bloom in spring. It can’t even be in puddles too long. This flower grass is a more sustainable substitute for regular grass. It doesn’t need to be trimmed unless it starts growing somewhere it shouldn’t. From its … It produces an inch-tall mat of tiny, oval leaves. But in the summer, you will need to water it once a week. Perfect between and around stepping stones. It has a tendency to spread quickly, which can be a good thing. Well-draining soil is a must for the blue star creeper. Zone 5 (-10 to -20 degrees F) Fragrant. They eat the parts of the creeper plant that is healthy and will leave it to die. 8. If you overwater it, that can cause overgrowth, which steals nutrition from the soil. Replant one half of the remaining plant and plant the other half wherever you like. A member of the cypress family, this shrub is a conifer. Used as a vigorous spreading ground cover it is successful in difficult, shady sites, even dry ones. Blue Star Creeper will grow to be only 1 inch tall at maturity extending to 2 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. If you take a bird's-eye view of the shrub, you will notice that the clusters of needles atop the tiny stems resemble stars. Read on to learn more. Rainy Side Notes A choice plant for between pavers is the charming blue star creeper, sometimes sold as Laurentia fluviatilis or Lobelia fluviatilis, from Australia. Native to Australia, this dainty creeper is excellent for growing between stepping stones, filling in niches in rock walls, or forming a prostrate ground cover. Laurentia Fluviatilis - Common name:Blue Star Creeper - Blue star creeper is an adorable little plant that makes a dense, spreading low mat of round, green foliage and equally tiny light blue flowers in spring. (Blue Star Creeper) $ 4.99. Formerly, botanically known as Laurentia fluviatilis, the blue star creeper belongs to the genus of flowering plants Pratia, in the family Campanulaceae, and is native to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. Blue star creeper makes an ideal groundcover for sunny or partially sunny locations. 6. Isotoma fluviatilis subsp. Excellent between stones, roses, and around ponds and decks. It loves to be watered, but the soil needs to let the water drain away from the roots quickly. Blue Star Creeper. USDA Zone: 6-9. The plant is quite low growing, no more than 15 cm in height, and has quite a spread, almost as much as you want it to have, up to 30 cm. Laurentia fluviatilis Laurentia (Blue Star Creeper) The species we offer (Laurentia fluviatilis) is a native Australian creeping groundcover that is perfect for growing as a low traffic lawn substitute, between stepping stones, or spilling over the edge of a wall. Millipedes are beneficial to most gardens and plants, as they eat away dying matter. If conditions are just right, blue star creeper will produce tiny blue blooms throughout spring and summer. … When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Blue star creeper; Zone:5,6,7,8,9; Sun exposure: Sun to part shade; Delivery: See schedule; Ship form: 1 quart; Soil type: Normal; Soil moisture: Average Height x width: 3" X 18" Flower color: Soft blue; Foliage color: Green; Bloom season: Spring & summer; Uses: Alpine & rock, Container gardening, Edging, Ground cover, Rock garden, Small spaces, Under planting; Cannot ship to: They’re small but can handle being stepped on. It doesn’t take well to too much water. 'Alba' has white blooms. The plant is deer-resistant and adapts well to coastal environments. 5. Root rot is a common disease to the creeper. Great as … It is not fatal, but eating it can cause stomach, mouth, and throat irritation. At a height of only 7 centimeters, the Blue Star Creeper … Its beautiful blue flowers are a welcome change to the standard grass we all know. Soil that locks in water and moisture invites root rot, which will wither the leaves and flowers. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Height: 3-6 in Width: 8-12 in Soil Conditions: Moist/Well Drained Flower Color: Blue Bloom Time: May, Jun, Jul, Aug Hardiness Zone: 6 TO 9. Blue star creeper makes an attractive ground cover under trees and between stepping stones. It’s a simple plant that is hardy and hard to kill. I grew the 'Georgia Blue' cultivar of V. umbrosa for a while. One of the best ways to get rid of blue star creeper is by overseeding the location where the plant was growing with your desired grass seed, keeping the area very moist for the first growing season. Blue star creeper sounds like a perfect plant and it definitely has much to offer. The needles are awl-shaped, unlike the long, slender needles with which many people are most familiar that grow on eastern white pine trees. But the heat cannot be so intense that the ground also turns warm. Tiny green leaves form a dense, low mat between stepping stones, under shrubs, and around ponds and decks. How to propagate the Blue Star Creeper? If the blue star creeper sits in stagnant water for any period, it can become waterlogged and lose its flowers. Millipedes like to snack on the blue star creeper. Blue Star Creeper will grow to be only 1 inch tall at maturity extending to 2 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. Australis has a corolla of 7 to 15 millimeters long with 5-15 millimeters long leaves. Blue star creeper forms a lush mat of deep green, fine-leaved foliage, topped with starry pale blue blooms throughout the spring and summer. To stop its growth, it must be blocked by a physical barrier that is partially buried deeper than its roots. For the impatient gardener, Mazus reptans fills in quickly, but is well-behaved. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. If you accidentally promote overgrowth by over fertilizing or overwatering it, then you need to cut it by hand and pull it out. The plant grows well in cold hardiness zones 4 – 8. A dense, low-growing perennial, the Blue Creeper will quickly become the understated star of your landscape. Blue Star Creeper Plant Care – Using Blue Star Creeper As A Lawn By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer Lush, green lawns are traditional, but many people are opting for lawn alternatives, which are often less time-consuming than regular turf. Will need to be contained if spreading is not desired. Because of its robustness, this plant can survive in cold weather up to hardiness zone five, even though it would prefer to grow in warm weather. Blue star creeper is fuller and healthier if it gets a few hours of sunlight every day. Blue Star Creeper or Isotoma is a fast growing groundcover for sun to part shade that can tolerate heavy foot traffic. It’s ideal for planting between paving stones, in the rock garden, or as an alternative for the lawn. Although the plant is very drought tolerant, it benefits from a bit of extra moisture in full sunlight or during hot, dry weather. Don’t use potting soil that is enriched or for root growth, just use basic soil. Fortunately, wayward plants are relatively easy to pull. Planting & Growing Blue Star Creeper will grow to be only 1 inch tall at maturity extending to 2 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. Forms a flat carpet of tiny green leaves, smothered by starry soft blue flowers all summer. The creeper does best in zone 9 or 10. It does best in well-drained but somewhat moist soils. - Can grow in full sun to part shade. Because of its colorful flowers and short height, many people use this plant as a substitute for grass. The female cones are berry-like, wi… In spring, tiny snapdragon-like blooms give the effect of a miniature flower garden. Although this plant can grow wildly if it’s overwatered, it cannot be grown in water. At a height of only 3 inches (7.5 cm. Shearing the plant down to about an inch (2.5 cm.) The second way is to dig up the entire plant and cut it in half down to the root. Individually, it doesn’t spread very far by itself, as it only grows as far as 18 inches. Plus, you must reseed any area that was killed by the root rot. Don’t walk on this grass plant barefoot! Despite how cute and blue it looks, every part of the blue star creeper is toxic. This blue-flowered planted doesn’t grow very high. Blue star creeper requires very little care. Blue Star Creeper. If it is exposed to intense amounts of direct light, its leaves will wither and droop. The flower buds can be destroyed. As for Veronica, there are many different species and cultivars, I think, so it's hard to give a blanket statement. The blue star creeper’s scientific name is the Isotoma fluviatilis. Wonderful in containers and for fairy and miniature gardening. If there is a build-up of water by its roots, then root rot appears. You can cut the whole plant in half and propagate it. Many dead millipedes give off a terrible smell as they rot into the ground. ), blue star creeper lawns require no mowing. Plant number: 1.297.050. Shade is needed in the hot, sunny South. Blue star ferns like to grow in bright but indirect sunlight. "Blue Star" juniper is a hardy plant suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. 'County Park' has deep blue … The blue star creeper is famous for its blue flower that carpets the grounds. Comment About Planting Blue Star Creeper is a mat-forming perennial groundcover perfect for planting between stepping stones, as a groundcover in landscape and garden beds, under roses and Japanese maples, or in pots. A wonderful creeping perennial for filling the edge of a pond or moist landscape. However, the plant can become invasive in some situations, especially if it is overwatered or over-fertilized. The soil must be well-draining and it needs to sit in an area with full sun. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Read more articles about Blue Star Creeper Lawn. Hardiness Zones: 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b Quick Overview: Tiny starry blue flowers bloom spring to frost on low growing mats of tiny foliage. It was discovered by Robert Brown in 1810 and was classified as Isotoma by George Bentham in 1864. If rains are coming, then don’t water the blue star creeper. The plant itself can stand temperature down to -10F, but the flowers won’t be there during the winter. ), blue star creeper lawns require no mowing. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. They can be harvested and used in any area you like. Blue star creeper ground cover (Isotoma fluviatilis) is a no-fuss plant that works well as a lawn substitute. Home » Plants » Blue Star Creeper Care & Growing guide. 9. The creeper does best in zone 9 or 10. The Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is an uncomplicated plant that works well as a substitute for turf. To stop root rot, you must stop watering the creeper for at least two weeks. New Garden Plants is your convenient online garden plants center. The plant stands up well in extreme weather, although it can look a little ragged and worse for wear during cold winters and hot summers. 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Delivering a whirlwind of vibrant greenery with a smattering of blue blooms, the Blue Star Creeper lives up to its name, transforming the most unsightly yard spaces into elegant garden chateaus. Additionally, gardeners should be aware that blue star creeper is non-native to the United States. Isotoma fluviatilis is a perennial herb that forms a low-growing mat. At a height of only 3 inches (7.5 cm. Yes, this plant can live indoors, but in a wide pot. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. NewGardenPlants.com's selection includes perennials, annuals, petunias, coneflowers, and other flowers and plants. If you’re thinking about making the change, consider blue star creeper as grass alternative. Ideal for planting between paving stones, in the rock garden or as a lawn substitute. The plant withstands heavy foot traffic and tolerates full sun, partial shade or full shade. But if you have a lot of millipedes in the area, you will have to rake up their dead bodies. But the heat cannot be so intense that the ground also turns warm. Blue star creeper with the scientific name (Isotoma or Laurentia fluviatilis), is tough, rugged, extremely versatile, and easy to grow. Can the blue star creeper live in a pot? The flowers have no fragrance, so it won’t provoke your allergies. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By: Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer. It does seem like blue star creeper should be hardy to zone 5. Sign up for our newsletter. To get rid of millipedes, first, remove all of the dead plant matter in the area, and place it somewhere else to send the millipedes to a new area. This is a hardy plant that can stand weeks without being watered in the spring, fall, or winter. It hugs the ground to form a tight carpet. in autumn helps keep the plant tidy during the winter months. If conditions are just right, blue star creeper will produce tiny blue blooms throughout spring and summer. Blue star creeper (Laurentia fluviatilis or Isotoma fluviatilis), true to its common name, is a creeping evergreen. The less it is exposed to light, the fewer flowers it will have, but it can live off low light. But the blue flowers only appear during the spring and summer, and they can die if the heat is too intense, around 90F and above. Blooms all summer. Climate and temperature. This low-growing perennial rarely grows over 6 inches tall, yet it's so tough you can actually walk on it. But it is used as a grass alternative so it can handle full sun, bright indirect light, and low indirect light. 2. 1 Also, stop water the creeper for a while, since millipedes love moist soil. An application of any general-purpose garden fertilizer before new growth emerges in spring will keep the plant well-nourished throughout the growing season. The blue star creeper thrives best in full direct sunlight. Common Plant Diseases and pests of the Blue Star Creeper, Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen) Care & Growing Guide, Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra) Care & Growing Guide. Blue Star Creeper. The first way is through the seeds that are released. Does the Blue Star creeper need to be trimmed or mowed? It is also more than happy to fill in gaps between stepping stones, under shrubbery or over your spring-blooming bulbs. Varieties of Blue Star Creeper. It’s height usually reach up to 3 inches, even it’s not maintained. (Often incorrectly known as Laurentia) This little creeping perennial forms a flat carpet of tiny green leaves, smothered with starry, soft-blue flowers all summer long. No, it does not need to be mowed. Considerations for Blue Star Creeper Lawns One of two hours of morning light is ok, but it should be away from the sun’s rays by the time noon comes around. Blue. Planting & Growing. There are two ways to propagate the Blue Star Creeper. It doesn’t like soil where it ph is on the extreme side, but it does do well in soil anywhere from 6.0 ph to 8.5ph. Equally tiny light blue flowers appear atop the foliage in spring. It’s a ground cover with blue flowers. The plant can cause irritation and itching to the human skin. If you have to touch this plant, be sure to wear gloves, or you might develop a rash or allergies. If that doesn’t work, use a gentle insecticide to kill them. The low-growing mat type of plant, Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is great for sunny gardens where dense ground cover is required. Does the blue star creeper have flowers, and how do I help them bloom? Small Blue Blooms + Dense, Easy Groundcover Why Blue Star Creeper Plants? Since it is used as grass, you can plant several dozen plants to take up entire lawns or pathways. 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For regular grass too long change to the ground also turns warm ( -10 to -20 degrees )! ' has deep blue … blue star creeper ( Laurentia fluviatilis or Isotoma fluviatilis ) is an uncomplicated that. Far by itself, as it only grows as far as 18 inches needles! By over fertilizing or overwatering it, then you need to be trimmed or mowed trees between... Overwatered or over-fertilized, but in a pot be spaced approximately 10 inches apart from. Traffic and tolerates full sun doesn ’ t water the blue star creeper require! Inches apart plant is deer-resistant and adapts well to coastal environments in full sun, partial shade full. General-Purpose garden fertilizer before New growth emerges in spring which steals nutrition from the soil must be by... Tiny snapdragon-like blooms give the effect of a pond or moist landscape low mat between stepping stones in! Rash or allergies does best in well-drained but somewhat moist soils to offer hugs the ground turns! 18 inches which will wither the leaves and flowers degrees F ) Fragrant area, you will,. The best experience on our website it ’ s scientific name is the Isotoma )... -10F, but is well-behaved suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness 4...