Stephen Albert
Laurentia–commonly called blue star creeper–is a handsome creeping, spreading perennial plant that grows to not more than 3 inches (7.6) tall and bears star-like, light blue flowers in late spring and summer. It is commonly used as a groundcover.
Blue star creeper, Laurentia fluviatilis, was formerly known as Isotoma fluciatilis and has been recently renamed Pratia pendunculata.
Laurentia–Pratia, Isotoma–has ovate to roundish leaves to 9mm long. The star-shaped pale blue flowers appear on short stalks. Laurentia looks a bit like baby teats (Soleirolia) but with pale blue flowers. Laurentia can take light traffic; it can be set between stepping stones to soften walkways.
The genus, now known as Pratia, consists of about 20 species of prostrate, spreading, freely rooting, evergreen perennials. They are native to damp, shady habitats in Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Asia, and South America.
Get to know Laurentia
- Plant type: Perennial
- Growing zones and range: Zones 5 to 10
- Hardiness: Hardy to Zone 5
- Height and width: 2-3 inches (5-8cm) tall
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Form and habit: Creeping, spreading
- Foliage: Bright evergreen leaves that hug the ground for a mosslike effect; pointed, oval leaves, .3 inches (.8cm) long
- Flowers: Star-shaped light blue flowers grow scattered across the surface of the foliage
- Bloom time: Late spring and summer
- Uses: Between pavers or stepping-stones, among rocks, groundcover
- Common name: Blue star creeper
- Botanical name: Laurentia fluviatilis (Isotoma fluviatilis)
- Family name: Campanulaceae (Lobeliaceae)
- Origin: Australia
Where to plant Laurentia
- Plant Laurentia in partial shade in hot areas.
- Plant Laurentia in humus-rich well-drained soil.
When to plant Laurentia
- Set container-grown Laurentia in the garden in spring or autumn. Avoid planting in hot weather.
Planting and spacing Laurentia
- Space Laurentia 6-12 inches (15-30cm) for cover within a year.
How to water and feed Laurentia
- Water Laurentia frequently in summer.
- Feed Laurentia with an all-purpose organic fertilizer monthly from spring to fall.
How to care for Laurentia
- Keep Lauentia plantings free of weeds until well-established.
Laurentia pests and diseases
- Laurentia is usually pest and disease-free. Crown rot can be a problem if the ground is soggy.
Laurentia propagation
- Laurentia can be propagated by division in spring or autumn.
Laurentia varieties to grow
- Laurentia fluviatilis (Isotoma fluviatilis), creeping spreading ground cover perennial that grows 2 to 3 inches (2.5-7.6cm) tall; pointed oval leaves are .25 inch long; pale, starlike flowers appear in late spring and summer.
