Blue Star Creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis): Low-Growing Groundcover for Sun or Shade

Formerly Laurentia fluviatilis, this Campanulaceae native to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand forms a dense, 6-inch-tall mat spreading to 12+ inches. Evergreen in mild winters, it blooms nearly year-round with star-shaped, 6-petaled flowers in white, blue, violet, pink, and mauve—streaked or solid.

Planting

• Division: Split root ball (shears or hands); plant immediately.
• Seeds: Collect from dried pods; sprinkle on moist medium, light sandy cover. Newspaper cover with air gap. Partial shade, keep moist. Germinates in 7–15 days. Transplant at 6-leaf stage to ground, rockeries, paths, or containers.

Care

• Soil: Any well-drained type; enrich with organic compost. pH 6.0–7.8.
• Light: Full sun to full shade—versatile for windowsills too.
• Water: More during peak bloom; less in dormancy.
• Fertilizer: Monthly liquid feed for continuous flowers.
• Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
• Prune lightly occasionally to control spread.
• Winter: Mulch in-ground plants; bring containers indoors in harsh zones.

Caution

Wear gloves—plant is poisonous and may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.