Lobelia pedunculata aka Matted Pratia

Lobelia pedunculata is an evergreen perennial from Australia. Gardeners also know it as blue star creeper. Its older name is Pratia pedunculata. It belongs to the bellflower family, Campanulaceae. This plant grows close to the soil and spreads outward. It keeps its leaves through the year and forms a broad mat. Its low shape suits ground cover rather than taller planting.

The RHS describes foliage reaching about 0.07 feet (0.02 metres) high. Its size guide allows a height of 0.33 feet (0.1 metres). Mature plants can spread 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres) across. They reach full size within one to two years. The leaves are tiny and rounded. Fast growth helps them form a wide cover of green. The spread is much greater than the height, so allow room around nearby plants.

Pale blue flowers appear in summer above the low leaves. Each flower has a star shape and a short stalk. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. This makes fruit unlikely in garden plantings. The flowers add summer colour without changing the plant’s low form. Its evergreen leaves provide cover beyond the flowering season. The RHS suggests it for beds, borders, rock gardens and informal gardens. It also suits pots and patio planting.

Choose partial shade or deep shade in a sheltered spot. North-, east- and west-facing sites suit its listed growing needs. The RHS recommends fertile loam that holds moisture but drains well. Its soil guide also lists chalk, clay and sand. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil. The UK hardiness rating is H4. This covers minimum temperatures of about −10 to −5°C under UK conditions. Divide plants at any time of year to make more. Keep new divisions well watered while they establish.

No pruning is needed, and the RHS reports few disease problems. Slugs may damage the plant, so it is not free of pests. Both people and pets can suffer harm from eating it. Contact can also irritate the skin. Wear gloves and other protective clothing when handling it. Its value lies in ornamental planting and ground cover, not food use.