Using Blue Star Creeper as a Lawn
Blue star creeper ground cover (Isotoma fluviatilis) is a no-fuss plant that works well as a lawn substitute. It is also more than happy to fill in gaps between stepping stones, under shrubbery, or over your spring-blooming bulbs. At a height of only 3 inches (7.5 cm.), blue star creeper lawns require no mowing. The plant withstands heavy foot traffic and tolerates full sun, partial shade, or full shade. If conditions are just right, blue star creeper will produce tiny blue blooms throughout spring and summer.
Considerations for Blue Star Creeper Lawns
Blue star creeper sounds like a perfect plant and it definitely has much to offer. The plant stands up well in extreme weather, although it can look a little ragged and worse for wear during cold winters and hot summers. Blue star creeper is fuller and healthier if it gets a few hours of sunlight every day. Additionally, gardeners should be aware that blue star creeper is non-native to the United States. It has a tendency to spread quickly, which can be a good thing. However, the plant can become invasive in some situations, especially if it is overwatered or over-fertilized. Fortunately, wayward plants are relatively easy to pull.
Blue Star Creeper Plant Care
Blue star creeper requires very little care. Although the plant is very drought tolerant, it benefits from a bit of extra moisture in full sunlight or during hot, dry weather. An application of any general-purpose garden fertilizer before new growth emerges in spring will keep the plant well-nourished throughout the growing season. Shearing the plant down to about an inch (2.5 cm.) in autumn helps keep the plant tidy during the winter months.
