Pratia pedunculata

Description

Pratia pedunculata – blue star creeper

Botanical name: Pratia pedunculata (syn. Lobelia pedunculata)
Common names: Blue star creeper
Family: Campanulaceae
Plant type: Evergreen perennial
Habit: Low, vigorous, mat-forming
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 3–5cm tall × 30–50cm+ spread
Foliage: Tiny green leaves forming a dense, ground-hugging carpet; evergreen in mild areas
Flowers: Masses of small, pale blue star-shaped flowers over a long summer season (June–September)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); USDA zones 6–9
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Australia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Low toxicity; part of the lobelia family, it may cause stomach upset if eaten, so best kept from pets that graze plants

Pratia pedunculata is a low creeping groundcover forming dense mats studded all summer with pale blue, star-shaped flowers. Ideal between paving, in damp rockeries and shaded spots, spreading gently to fill gaps.

GardenAdvice notes

A very low, spreading evergreen forming a tight, ground-hugging carpet, blue star creeper knits quickly between paving and over damp ground, spangled through summer with tiny pale blue stars. It takes light foot traffic and is a popular choice for softening paths and stepping stones, though it needs reliable moisture and can spread with enthusiasm.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade, where the ground stays reliably moist. It is ideal between stepping stones and paving, at the front of damp borders and in shaded, moist spots. Space about 30cm apart; it fills in quickly.

Care & maintenance

Keep the soil moist, especially in sun, as it browns if it dries out. It spreads vigorously, so trim or lift sections in spring to keep it in bounds. It tolerates occasional light treading. No feeding is usually needed.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide, or detach rooted pieces, in spring and replant.
• Rooted stems: Sections root as they spread and can be lifted and moved in the growing season.
• Seed: Can be raised from seed sown in spring.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Its main needs are moisture and containment, as it can spread beyond its space. Otherwise little troubled by pests or disease.

Uses in the garden

Excellent as groundcover between stepping stones and paving, in damp rockeries, at the front of moist borders and in shaded, moist spots, softening edges and suppressing weeds.

Wildlife value

The long succession of small flowers provides nectar for bees and other small pollinating insects through summer.

Toxicity & safety

As a member of the lobelia family, blue star creeper has a low level of toxicity and may cause stomach upset if eaten, so it is best kept away from pets that graze on plants.

GardenAdvice tip

Blue star creeper is a lovely living carpet for between paving, taking the odd footstep and flowering for months — but it does need to stay moist, so keep it out of hot, dry spots where it will brown off. Give it room too, as it spreads happily and can creep further than you intended.

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