Isotoma fluviatilis

BLUE STAR CREEPER
syn. Lobelia fluviatilis, Laurentia fluviatilis
Family: Lobeliaceae

 

Quick Jumps

Growing Guide
Rainy Side Notes

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GROWING GUIDE

Origin:
Australia.
Plant Group:
Perennial.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-9, 14-24.
USDA zones: 5-10.
Mature size:
Height 2 inches (5 cm).
Width: 18 inches (45 cm) first year.
Flowering period:
Late spring and summer; continues to flower sporadically until fall.
Flowering attributes:
Small sky-blue flowers. P. 'Dark Blue' (photo on right) has dark blue flowers.
Leaf attributes:
Small pointed, oval, evergreen leaves.
Growth habit:
Evergreen; spreading ground cover.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Moist, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
Lightly once a month during growing season.
Propagation Methods:
Divide in spring or fall.

 

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. This semi-evergreen, tiny leaf plant cloaks itself with small, sky-blue, star-shaped flowers from late spring into summer, and continues with a sprinkling of blossoms for the rest of the season into fall. My favorite cultivar is I. 'Deep Blue' with its darker blue flowers that don't look washed out when growing close to other brightly hued flowers.

This ground cover gives a clean look between pavers, since it doesn't creep over stones. Its requirements are well-drained soil and full sun for best results. Its downside is it will creep around the garden and overtake smaller plants. Site it carefully where it can romp around, adding spectacular affects in your garden.

Photographed in author's garden.

A Pacific Northwest Plant of the Week (2012)