Product Description
Laurentia fluviatilis, Lobelia fluviatilis or Isotoma fluviatilis (3.5-inch pot)
Common Name: Blue Star Creeper
- Height: 3 Inches
- Spread: 12-18 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 5/6-10
- Sun to Part Shade
- Small, light blue, star-shaped flowers bloom from late spring to early summer
- Semi-Evergreen
- Aggressive ground cover
- Pathways - tolerates foot traffic
- Needs moist soil
- Good choice for butterfly gardens
Blue Star Creeper, is a beautiful, low-maintenance groundcover that is perfect for adding color and interest to your garden. A semi-evergreen perennial with tiny green foliage that produces a dense, low mat. Spreads aggressively by above and below ground rhizomes.
Prefering partial shade or dappled sunlight, it can tolerate full sun, but the leaves may scorch in hot, dry climates. Plant in moist organic, well-drained soil. If soil is heavy clay, may need to add some sand or compost to improve drainage. Laurentia fluviatilis needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Does not need to be fertilized often, a light application of fertilizer in spring will help to promote new growth. Trim in early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth.
Place in rock, woodland and fern gardens, between steppingstones, or with bulbs and lilies. Tolerates foot traffic.
This is a charming little plant that has gone through some name changes over the years. Here is what you should know:
Current Name and Synonyms:
- Accepted Scientific Name: Lobelia pedunculata
- Synonyms: Lobelia fluviatilis, Isotoma fluviatilis, Pratia pedunculata
Why the Confusion?
Plant taxonomy is an ever-evolving field. As scientists conduct more research and analyze genetic relationships, plant names and classifications sometimes change. This plant has been shuffled around a bit, hence the multiple scientific names.
Key Features of Lobelia pedunculata:
- Growth Habit: A low-growing, mat-forming perennial that spreads via creeping stems.
- Flowers: Produces masses of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue-violet. Blooms for an extended period, usually from spring to fall.
- Foliage: Small, rounded, green leaves that form a dense carpet.
- Hardiness: Generally hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
- Uses: Excellent ground cover, ideal for rock gardens, between paving stones, or cascading over walls.
Laurentia fluviatilis (syn. Lobelia fluviatilis, Isotoma fluviatilis) - River Lily
(Image of Laurentia fluviatilis here, ideally showing its delicate flowers and trailing habit)
Bring a touch of delicate beauty to your garden with Laurentia fluviatilis, also known as River Lily! This charming Australian native boasts dainty star-shaped flowers and a lush, trailing habit, perfect for adding texture and color to hanging baskets, containers, or as a unique groundcover.
Description:
Laurentia fluviatilis is a low-growing, spreading perennial native to Australia. It is characterized by its small, lance-shaped leaves and abundance of delicate, star-shaped flowers that bloom profusely throughout the warmer months. While often referred to as Lobelia or Isotoma, Laurentia is the currently accepted botanical name. Its cascading growth habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets and containers, where it can spill gracefully over the edges. It also works well as a groundcover in suitable climates, creating a lush carpet of green punctuated with colorful blooms.
Details:
- Type: Perennial (often treated as an annual in cooler climates)
- Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA) (Typically grown as an annual in zones below 9)
- Mature Height: 4-6 inches
- Mature Spread: 12-18 inches
- Bloom Time: Spring through fall (depending on climate)
- Flower Color: Varies; white, pale blue, mauve, or pink are common
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, adaptable to various soil types
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Growth Habit: Trailing, spreading
- Uses: Hanging baskets, containers, groundcover (in suitable climates), rock gardens
Planting and Care:
- Planting Time: Spring is ideal.
- Location: Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Planting: Plant at the same depth as the original container. Space plants 12-18 inches apart for groundcover.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
- Pruning: Lightly trim back stems to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) is not necessary as it is a prolific bloomer.
- Pests and Diseases: Generally, pest and disease resistant. Watch for slugs and snails.
Key Considerations:
- Climate: Laurentia fluviatilis is not frost-tolerant and is best suited to warmer climates or as an annual in cooler regions.
- Trailing Habit: Its trailing growth habit makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, containers, and spilling over walls or raised beds.
- Versatility: It can be used as a groundcover in mild climates, creating a dense mat of foliage and flowers.
Add a touch of Australian charm to your garden with Laurentia fluviatilis! Its delicate flowers and versatile growth habit make it a delightful addition to any landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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Good
Shipped and delivered on time. Product was as expected. I would definitely shop here again.
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healthy plants and happy customer
Mike shipped fast and let me know about recent trimming. These arrived looking very healthy and doing well in the ground! I love the variety he offers, these are items I can’t find at local nursery and very reasonably priced.
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Healthy and Beautiful
Good communications. Shipped on time with tracking. Packaged well. They were all healthy plants. Planted them and they are still doing well. Very happy with this company and my purchase - Thank you!!
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Beautiful plants
Our plants arrived quickly and we were continuously notified when they were shipped and to be delivered. The plants were healthy and much prettier than what was purchased at the local nursery and at a far better price. Thank you!!
