Blue Star Creeper Isotoma axillaris 'Blue Star'
ABOUT
The Blue Star, known as Isotoma axillaris 'Blue Star', is a delightful and eye-catching flowering plant, showcasing a profusion of star-shaped blooms. Its flowers are a vibrant sky blue, drawing the attention of onlookers with their bright and cheerful hue. Each individual bloom consists of five petals that fan out from the center to form a perfect star, embodying a look of simplicity and elegance. The foliage of Blue Star forms a lush green backdrop for the flowers, with leaves that are delicate and finely textured. These leaves may present a lance shape, tapering to a point, and give the plant a soft, ferny appearance that adds to its overall charm. This plant often forms a compact and mounded clump, allowing the floral display to stand out prominently. The blossoms appear predominantly in the warmer months, presenting a long-lasting display that can extend throughout the season. The Blue Star is also known for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it not only a visual pleasure but also an asset for garden biodiversity. The combination of its radiant blue flowers and lush green foliage makes it a favored choice for garden beds, borders, and containers, offering a splash of color wherever it is grown.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Blue Star Creeper, Blue Star Isotoma, Rock Isotoma, Rock Blue Star
Common names
Laurentia axillaris, Solenopsis axillaris
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Blue Star is not widely known for its toxicity to humans, and there is a general lack of information regarding its potential poisonous effects. Many plant species can cause adverse reactions if ingested, so as a precaution, it is generally advised to avoid eating or handling unknown plants without proper knowledge. If a person suspects poisoning from any plant, they should seek medical advice promptly.
To pets
Blue Star is not commonly reported as a toxic plant to pets. However, the lack of specific information on its toxicity does not guarantee safety, and it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not specifically known to be safe. If you suspect your pet has ingested Blue Star and is showing signs of illness, consult a veterinarian immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetically pleasing: The Isotoma axillaris 'Blue Star', commonly known as Blue Star Creeper, offers a profusion of star-shaped blue flowers that add a vibrant touch to gardens and landscapes.
- Groundcover: It serves as an excellent groundcover, filling in spaces between stepping stones or garden paths, which helps to suppress weeds naturally.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, the Blue Star Creeper is fairly drought resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Attracts pollinators: The blossoms attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Adaptable: It can grow in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the area has good drainage.
- Low maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it an easy addition for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Fast-growing: Blue Star Creeper grows quickly, allowing it to cover bare spots in the garden in a relatively short amount of time.
- Cold hardy: It can survive in cooler climates, making it a versatile plant for different gardening zones.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of Blue Star may have potential as a source of blue dye, which can be used for coloring textiles or crafts.
- Insect lure: Blue Star can be planted in gardens to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which help with pollination.
- Edging plants: Due to their compact growth habit, Blue Stars can be used as edging plants to create defined borders along pathways or around garden beds.
- Ground cover: The dense foliage of Blue Star makes it an excellent ground cover that can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
- Potpourri ingredient: Dried flowers of Blue Star can add color and a subtle scent to homemade potpourri mixes.
- Educational model: Blue Star plants are ideal for use in schools and educational programs to teach students about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of flowering plants.
- Photography subject: With their vibrant blue flowers, Blue Star plants are often used by photographers looking for striking natural subjects and backdrops.
- Theme gardens: Blue Star can be included in 'moon gardens' where flowers that open or are visible at night are featured.
- Temporary tattoo ink: The juice from the flowers could potentially be used as a temporary tattoo ink for creating natural-looking body art.
- Floral arrangements: Although not common, the Blue Star's striking flowers can be used in fresh or dried floral arrangements to provide a unique aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Star is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Star is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace: The blue color of the Blue Star flower is often associated with tranquility and calmness, evoking a sense of peace.
- Hope: The bright and star-shaped flowers of the Blue Star may symbolize hope and inspiration, guiding one through challenging times.
- Harmony: Blue Star's soft blue hue is sometimes connected with harmony, reflecting balance and unity in one's surroundings.
- Guidance: The star shape of the flowers can represent guidance, suggesting a light or beacon in darkness, and offering direction.
- Inspiration: Due to its unique and appealing look, Blue Star flowers can be a symbol of artistic and creative inspiration.
WaterThe Blue Star Creeper prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. A good rule of thumb is to water it once a week, providing about 1 inch of water each time; this could roughly translate to about half a gallon for an average pot. During hot or dry spells, the frequency may need to increase to maintain moist soil, possibly twice a week. As seasons change, reduce watering in cooler months when the plant’s water requirements decrease. It's crucial not to let the soil dry out completely, nor to over-water which can lead to root rot.
LightBlue Star Creeper thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. An east or west-facing location where the plant can get gentle morning or evening sun is preferable. However, in very hot climates, some afternoon shade will be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureBlue Star Creepers prefer moderate temperatures and are hardy within the ranges of 25°F to 85°F. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60°F and 75°F. It’s important to offer protection from temperatures consistently below 25°F, as frost can severely damage or kill the plant.
PruningBlue Star Creeper can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote denser growth. Prune in early spring to remove any dead or frost-damaged foliage, and again after the main flowering period to encourage a second bloom. Trimming lightly after flowering helps manage its spread and refreshes the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Blue Star creeper prefers moist, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A good soil mix could be composed of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part loam or garden soil. This combination ensures proper drainage and aeration, which are critical to the health of the plant.
RepottingBlue Star creeper typically needs repotting every 1-2 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound. The best time to repot the plant is in the spring when it begins to show new growth. Use a slightly larger pot each time to allow for additional root development.
Humidity & MistingBlue Star creeper thrives in average humidity levels. While it is tolerant of a range of conditions, it does best in environments that mimic its natural outdoor setting. Hence, maintaining a humidity level between 40% and 60% is typically ideal for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Outdoor
Place in partial sun, ensure moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Isotoma axillaris 'Blue Star', commonly known as Blue Star Creeper, commences from seed, with germination typically taking place in spring under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedlings establish themselves quickly, developing a root system and foliage. Blue Star Creeper then enters a vegetative stage, forming a dense, low mat of bright green leaves and beginning to spread by rooting at the nodes. The flowering stage follows, usually in late spring to summer, showcasing its characteristic star-shaped, blue flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit that contains seeds, which when mature, complete the reproductive cycle and disperse to give rise to new plants. Throughout its life, the Blue Star Creeper may experience periods of dormancy during cold or adverse weather conditions, resuming growth with the return of favorable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Blue Star Creeper, scientifically known as Isotoma axillaris 'Blue Star', is commonly propagated through division, which is a straightforward and effective method for many herbaceous perennials. The most suitable time to propagate by division is in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy and the soil starts to warm up, typically after the last frost has passed. To divide the Blue Star Creeper, carefully lift the plant from the ground with a garden fork or spade, ensuring a substantial amount of root and plant material is included. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and shoots. Replant these divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing at before, spacing them about 6 to 10 inches (approximately 15 to 25 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Make sure to water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.
