Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper (Pratia puberula) is a fast spreading Australian native groundcover that forms a dense, low carpet only about 10cm high and up to 1.5m wide. Through spring and summer the tiny round leaves almost disappear under masses of small, palest blue flowers. It is soft enough to stand in for lawn in a small area, and tough enough to take light foot traffic.

Why you'll love it

• A low native carpet. This Australian relative of lobelia hugs the ground at about 10cm and weaves into a dense mat of small, round leaves.
• Fast to spread. It grows quickly and can cover up to 1.5m, so a few plants fill a surprising area within a season or two.
• Takes light foot traffic. It stands up to the occasional footstep, which makes it suitable between stepping stones and alongside paved areas.
• Pale blue flowers. Masses of small flowers in palest blue appear through spring and summer, floating over the carpet of leaves.
• At home in shade. It prefers cooler, shadier places and appreciates a little shade, which suits positions where lawn would struggle.

Where it works best

Between pavers and along paths. Plant 30cm apart in the gaps between stepping stones and pavers, or along path edges. It softens the hard lines and binds the gap within a season or two, as long as foot traffic stays light.

Rockeries and garden edging. Use it to fill spaces among rocks and to define the edge of a bed, where it spills over and can be trimmed back with shears.

An ornamental lawn. In temperate climates it makes a soft, flowering lawn alternative for small areas that are walked on lightly. For a kick-around lawn, stay with turf.

Shady corners and under trees. It carpets cool, shaded ground where grass fails, and it needs far less attention than a lawn.

Growing Blue Star Creeper in Australia

Position and climate. It prefers cooler, shadier places, from dappled light to part shade, where it stays lush. It will survive full sun, but it looks best with some shade and needs extra water in hot, dry positions. It suits temperate climates best.

Soil. A moisture holding soil with plenty of compost suits it. Mulch around new plants to keep the roots cool and moist.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, regularly, until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. It prefers moist conditions, so water often during dry periods. It will survive drought, but it looks its best when kept moist. Fertilise in spring to encourage plenty of new growth.

Pruning. No formal pruning is needed. Trim the edges with shears once or twice a year to keep it off paths and out of neighbouring beds, because it spreads freely.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Blue Star Creeper as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical way to cover a large area, and the potted packs give faster cover for a path edge or a small lawn. At 30cm spacing, a pack of 10 covers roughly one square metre. Expect small plants with a few runners, because the carpet forms as they spread.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse more groundcovers
• Plants for partial shade
• The best groundcovers for shade
• Lawn alternatives for Australian gardens

Common questions

Can I walk on it?

Yes, lightly. It tolerates occasional foot traffic, so it suits stepping stone gaps and path edges, but it is not a replacement for a play lawn.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 30cm apart for a continuous carpet. Closer spacing is not necessary, because it spreads and fills the gaps itself.

Does it grow in full sun?

It will survive full sun, but it prefers cooler, shadier positions. In sun, water more often and mulch the soil.