Common Name: laurentia
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Campanulaceae
Native Range: Southern Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania
Zone: 6 to 8
Height: 0.08 to 0.16 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 2.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to June
Bloom Description: White to pale blue
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium to wet
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Ground Cover
Flower: Showy
Tolerate: Wet Soil
Culture
Best grown in evenly moist to wet, well-draining, sandy or rocky soils in full sun. May appreciate some afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Will tolerate occasional, short periods of drought once established. Hardy in Zones 6-8. Propagate by division or stem cuttings.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Laurentia fluviatilis, commonly called blue star creeper, is a small, prostrate, creeping, semi-evergreen, herbaceous perennial native to southern and southeastern Australia where it grows in moist, sandy soils on the edges of streams or seepages. Mature plants will reach only a few inches tall but spread to fill a 1-2' area. The small leaves will reach up to 0.25" long and are ovate, obovate, to narrowly oblong in shape with several small teeth. The small, 0.25" wide, five-petaled flowers bloom from late spring to early summer and are white to pale blue in color.
The specific epithet fluviatilis means "growing in or near running water", in reference to the native habitat of this species.
The common name blue star creeper refers to the color and shape of the blooms as well as the low-growing growth habit of this species.
Problems
Slugs and snails can be problematic. Poorly drained, overly moist soils may lead to root rot.
Uses
Ground cover for moist areas of mixed borders and rock gardens or pond edges. Tolerant of light foot traffic.