Blue Star Creeper Pratia pedunculata
ABOUT
Pratia pedunculata, commonly known as blue star creeper, is a low-growing perennial plant with a spreading habit that typically forms a dense, mat-like ground cover. Its foliage consists of small, bright green, oval to round leaves that are often spaced closely together on slender, creeping stems. During the warmer months, blue star creeper produces an abundance of tiny, star-shaped flowers that are usually blue to violet in color, which gives the plant its common name. These delicate flowers have a subtle beauty and can create a striking contrast against the green of the leaves. After the blooming period, the plant may produce small, inconspicuous fruits. Overall, the appearance of blue star creeper is lush and carpet-like, making it a popular choice for filling spaces between stepping stones, covering slopes, or serving as a living mulch under taller plants in garden beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Blue Star Creeper, Matted Pratia, White Star Creeper, Trailing Pratia
Common names
Lobelia pedunculata, Isotoma fluviatilis, Laurentia fluviatilis, Pratia angulata, Hypsela reniformis.
ToxicityTo humans
Blue star creeper is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of the plant being poisonous upon ingestion, nor are there well-documented symptoms of poisoning from Blue star creeper for humans. However, it's always wise to exercise caution and avoid consuming plants that are not known to be edible.
To pets
Blue star creeper is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no significant reports of toxicity or poisoning in domestic animals such as cats and dogs from ingestion of this plant. Nonetheless, pet owners should always monitor their pets for any unusual behavior or symptoms and keep in mind that individual animals may have different sensitivities or allergic reactions to plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 inches (5 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Australia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ground Cover: Pratia pedunculata, commonly known as blue star creeper, forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds and covers bare spots in gardens.
- Ornamental Value: It has attractive blue flowers that can add a splash of color to garden landscapes and border edges.
- Erosion Control: Its spreading nature makes it useful for stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing erosion.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought-resistant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Tolerance of Foot Traffic: Blue star creeper can withstand light foot traffic, making it suitable for use between stepping stones or in lawn alternatives.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Pratia pedunculata attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: It is low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, requiring minimal care.
Medical Properties- Pratia pedunculata, commonly known as white star creeper or blue star creeper, does not have a well-documented history of medicinal use and is primarily known for its horticultural applications as a ground cover.
- There is insufficient information available in scientific literature to conclusively list any medical properties of Pratia pedunculata.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pratia pedunculata, commonly known as blue star creeper, can be used as a living mulch in garden beds, reducing the need for traditional wood or straw mulching materials.
- In model landscapes or dioramas, blue star creeper can serve as a realistic miniature ground cover to simulate larger grassy areas.
- The small flowers of blue star creeper can be used in pressed flower crafts thanks to their delicate texture and subtle color.
- As a natural carpet, it provides a visually pleasing and soft ground cover in fairy gardens or miniature garden setups.
- Blue star creeper's dense growth habit can stabilize soil in areas prone to erosion or minor landslides.
- It can be planted between stepping stones or pavers to create a verdant, lush pathway that tolerates light foot traffic.
- Aquascapers sometimes use the plant emersed in aquariums to create a green backdrop or to add texture above the waterline.
- Its resistance to deer makes blue star creeper a strategic choice for gardeners in areas with high deer populations, to protect more vulnerable plants.
- The plant can be used in sensory gardens, where its soft leaves add a tactile element for visitors to touch and experience.
- Photographers sometimes utilize blue star creeper as a natural mat or backdrop for photographing smaller objects, due to its uniform and calming aesthetic.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Star Creeper is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Star Creeper is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Ground Covering: Pratia pedunculata, commonly known as blue star creeper, symbolizes protection and encompassing because of its nature to spread over the ground, creating a blanket-like cover.
- Perseverance: Given its ability to thrive in various conditions and its resilient growth patterns, the blue star creeper represents determination and the ability to persist through challenges.
- Unity: The interconnectedness of its network of stems and leaves symbolizes unity and interconnectedness in a community or among individuals.
- Healing: Traditionally, some ground-covering plants, like the blue star creeper, have been used for their medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and the soothing of ailments.
- Innocence: The small, delicate flowers of the blue star creeper can represent purity and innocence, much like many other tiny, blue-hued flowers.
WaterBlue star creeper requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week. When watering blue star creeper, thoroughly saturate the soil until excess water drains out of the bottom of the pot, if container-grown. Outdoors, provide about 1 inch of water per week, which can translate to approximately 0.6 gallons per square yard.
LightBlue star creeper thrives in partial shade to full sunlight. It performs best in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light beneath open trees. Too much intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little will reduce its vigor and flowering.
TemperatureBlue star creeper is adaptable to a range of temperatures and can withstand minimum temperatures as low as 20°F. For optimal growth, it should be kept in an environment where the temperature ranges between 60°F and 75°F. These conditions simulate its natural cool to mild climates and help to promote healthy growth.
PruningPrune blue star creeper to maintain its shape and encourage denser growth. Light trimming is best done in early spring or after the plant finishes blooming. Pruning can be performed annually or as needed to remove dead or damaged stems and to control spread in the landscape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Blue Star Creeper, a well-draining soil mixture is essential, composed of two parts peat or coir, one part perlite, and one part compost. The ideal soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0 to provide an acidic to neutral environment which supports healthy growth.
RepottingBlue Star Creeper does not require frequent repotting since it is a ground-covering plant. It typically only needs repotting when overcrowded, which may be every 2 to 3 years to maintain its vigor and spread.
Humidity & MistingBlue Star Creeper thrives in average humidity levels consistent with outdoor conditions. It is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers conditions that are not overly dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light with well-draining soil mix.
Outdoor
Use well-drained soil; partial to full sun. Tolerates light foot traffic.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cyclePratia pedunculata, commonly known as blue star creeper, begins its life cycle as a seed, that germinates in spring when soil temperatures are warm enough. Once germinated, the seedling develops into a juvenile plant, establishing a root system and beginning to grow its characteristic low, mat-forming foliage. During the growing season, the plant expands through rooting stems and can flower in late spring to early summer, producing small, star-shaped blue or white flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into small, inconspicuous fruits containing seeds that disperse, continuing the reproductive cycle. The plant is perennial and will enter a dormant phase in response to cold temperatures in autumn or winter, but will re-emerge and grow again the following spring. This cycle continues year after year, with the plant spreading to cover more ground as it matures.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Blue star creeper, or Pratia pedunculata, is a plant often propagated in the spring to early summer, taking advantage of the active growing season. The most popular method of propagation for this ground-covering perennial is through division. To propagate by division, gently lift a healthy, established clump of blue star creeper from the ground, ensuring you maintain a good portion of the root system. With your hands or a garden tool, carefully separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a well-developed root system. Replant these divisions immediately into moist soil, maintaining the same depth at which they were growing previously. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. Divided plants should quickly take root and spread, covering the desired area with their characteristic blue flowers.
