Isotoma fluviatilis (Blue Star Creeper)

Isotoma fluviatilis, also known as Blue Star Creeper, is a charming, low-growing perennial plant. It’s prized for its lush, mat-forming habit and dainty star-shaped flowers.

Isotoma fluviatilis: An In-depth Look

Native: This species is native to Australia, thriving in damp environments like stream banks and wetlands.

Plant Type and Habit: It is an evergreen herbaceous perennial and ground cover, forming dense mats of tiny, green foliage.

Size: The plant typically grows to about 2-3 inches in height (5-7 cm) and can spread extensively, up to 24 inches (60 cm) or more.

Flowers: Blue Star Creeper boasts delicate, white or pale blue flowers that are star-shaped, each with five petals. The blooms are small but prolific.

Bloom Time: It flowers profusely in spring and summer.

Foliage: Its evergreen foliage consists of tiny, bright green leaves, 1/2 inch in length (1 cm), that provide a lush carpet-like appearance throughout the year.

Uses: Blue Star Creeper is commonly used as a ground cover in garden borders, rockeries, and along pathways. It’s also ideal for filling spaces between stepping stones and in fairy gardens.

Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA zones 6-8, tolerating a range of temperate climates.

Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects, benefiting the garden ecosystem.

Toxicity: Blue Star Creeper is harmful if ingested and can cause skin irritation. It’s advisable to wear gloves while handling the plant and to wash your hands thoroughly after working with it.

Deer and Rabbit: This plant is generally not a first choice for deer and rabbits, but they may nibble on it if other food sources are scarce.

Drought: While it prefers moist conditions, it can tolerate short periods of drought once established.

Invasiveness: In ideal growing conditions, Blue Star Creeper can spread vigorously but is not typically considered invasive.

Benefits: Its fast-growing, mat-forming nature makes it excellent for erosion control. It also helps in suppressing weeds due to its dense foliage.

Blue Star Creeper Growing Tips

Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates more sun in cooler climates and prefers some shade in hotter areas.

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. More frequent watering may be needed in full sun or hotter climates.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in spring. Over-fertilizing can encourage more foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning: Trim back as needed to control growth and encourage denser foliage.

Propagation: Easily propagated by division in spring or fall. It can also be grown from seed or by rooting stem cuttings.

Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, but watch for slugs and snails. Susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions.