If you don't want creeping thyme because it attracts bees, you might have issues with Corsican mint for the same reason - this site says the flowers attract bees and butterflies (and also warns it can be invasive) - http://plants.moananursery.com/12170011/Plant/13907/Corsican_Mint/Rupture wort sounds interesting. Fertilizing once at the beginning of the growing season with an all-purpose fertilizer will help to encourage strong new growth. A Toronto Garden Makeover in Dufferin Grove, Discovering Old Garden Books - Beverly Nichols, Wildflower Wednesday 2020 Roundup of Wildflower Stars, Groundcover Warning: Blue Star Creeper, Pratia pedunculata, Laurentia fluviatils, Isotoma fluviatilis, Six Reasons Why Pine Straw Makes the Best Mulch. I have a slight variation to some others' comments/questions: I just put in some Turfstone-equivalent pavers which are big concrete blocks with a bunch of ~4 inch square openings to allow water to drain and foliage to grow through. Mother of thyme is hardiest and does not (here in my garden) have crown die out. The flood areas are in lower areas of the yard, which is now all hard compacted clay. Blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is a herbaceous perennial in the Campanulaceae (or bluebell) family that is native to eastern Australia. Great in between stones. It was discovered by Robert Brown in 1810 and was classified as Isotoma by George Bentham in 1864. Equally tiny light blue flowers appear atop the foliage in spring. Virginia creeper is a woody vine native to eastern North America; it is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9, and in the wild, it is commonly found in wooded areas and ravines. I would think it would be pretty dry in a Utah summer, but maybe you water it to keep it green?- Have you tried digging up any patches of the creeper? And do you garden on clay, sand or loam? In my garden, it only spread by roots, but I'm not able to categorically rule out the possibility of self-sowing...). Hi Aaron.I came across your blog while researching Isotoma. The foot-traffic bit is probably the greatest challenge, but I hope you can find something that meets at least most of your criteria! Get it as soon as Tue, Dec 8. Planting in area that gets late afternoon sun. You say you want a low-growing groundcover. It seems to be quite happy confining itself to the lawn area. Without the fabric, the decorative rocks would start to sink into the mud and become contaminated even quicker. Would blue star creeper become as out of hand in the dry section as you have warned it did in your own yard? OVERVIEW. Low growing groundcover. Based on my experience, I think blue star creeper would bake in Fort Worth sun.I have not tried thyme or Irish moss personally, so can't help you there.I have had good experiences in full sun with 'Blue Spruce' sedum (http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263689&isprofile=0&gen=Sedum). I am so glad I found out in time that it is the devil! Small oval green leaves form tight 3 tall mats. I'm really excited to get it started as I feel a bit late to the game. Happy gardening :). While blue star creepers are not invasive by definition, they are not native to the United States and can spread quickly, becoming invasive in some situations. I don't know whether your flagstones are close together (1-2 inches of space between them) or farther apart (6 inches? it was even infiltrating and invading the lawn. 'Alba' has white blooms. Area will NOT be ⦠It is a native after all :)Powderpuff mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) might be another fast-growing native groundcover option... http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/powderpuff-mimosa.htmlGood luck! It's pretty scary stuff. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. I notice you said they do fine on moist soil (which is good to know as our soil is often damp in winter and spring), but how about summer drought tolerance? I'm not sure any/many of those shade groundcovers will withstand playground-type foot traffic...)I will say that the eastern wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) has been very tough and hardy for me. Isotoma 'Blue Star' or Blue Star Creeper is a perennial groundcover that blooms small, star-shaped, blue flowers in spring and summer. It forms a carpet of blue and white starflowers during spring and summer but needs a little attention and care in dry spells. If you find something that works well, please do come back and let us know! The cut stump treatment is the only way to get rid of it. I was disappointed at first, then I read your post, now I think it'll be fine to plant. Circling roots are Bad. I'm open to other options you think might work for me. Some thrive in muck or swamps. green-and-gold)'Good luck! (It doesn't *look* like it would take lots of foot traffic, but some websites say it does, so maybe try some and see how it goes? It has rather tall flower stalks in the spring, but if you found they interfered with the walkway, you could just cut them off and I don't think it would rebloom. True Blue app. Visiting local botanical gardens is an excellent suggestion as well. Specifications. Ladybugs are harmless to tomato plants but harmful to bugs that pester tomato plants, such as aphids, and their eggs. I wouldn't wish it on my worst plant enemies. Buy Blue Star Creeper online. I had not been familiar with Laurentia so I googled it's hardiness. I can think of lots of possible groundcovers for SC, but the foot traffic requirement does make it a bit trickier.Perhaps yarrow (Achillea millefolium) might work? Unless you have first-hand knowledge that this works in your region, I'd encourage you to find some other way to keep down weeds.In my experience, the only long-term (and most eco-friendly) solution to block weeds is by outcompeting them with other plants! So I don't think they would grow thickly in a woodland setting, nor do I think a 1-inch tall groundcover (in my experience) will block most weeds.6) The best advice I can give you is to plant a variety of low-growing woodland native plants. any suggestions? Are you in the Southeastern U.S.?In partial sun, you could try Teucrium chamaedrys 'Prostata' (creeping germander), Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana' (mouse-ear tickseed) or Chrysogonum virginianum (green-and-gold).With the first two plants, you might need to use a clippers or a mower to cut them back once a year in the winter if you're planning on growing them in a path.I've had good luck with the first two species, not so much with the green-and-gold, but it's grown very well for some other garden bloggers I know, so I probably just did something wrong.Let's see, for the part of the walkway in full shade, I think I'd suggest trying an Epimedium ('Frohnleiten' has been the best for me) or maybe Robin's plantain (Erigeron pulchellus). If you feel like it's a good garden plant where you garden, then I'm glad you shared your perspective here so readers can make their own decisions about whether to incorporate blue star creeper into their designs. I live in zone 5. Good luck! 6-Pack Blue Star Creeper in Tray (L16653) Item #418362 Model #NURSERY. I accidently happened upon your blog and you saved my garden! Hi, Aaron.Thanks for your advise. The garden center listed it as a perennial, but read that it's not hardy here. Growing Mazus reptans is made easy by the fact that it seldom suffers from disease or insect infestation. --Jamie. . It has been left in a natural state...bare under the tree canopy. Or maybe use large paving stones to create a sort of patio and then garden in pots and other containers? Sounds like a rain garden scenario (intermittent inundation followed by long dry periods). First of all, there aren't many low-growing native (Juniperus virginiana) juniper cultivars. A great feature of blue star creeper is it remains in bloom pretty much all season until … Well, sorry you had to go through the hassle of planting and then un-planting, but hopefully you saved yourself a lot of work in the long run! Use as a ground cover or filler between pavers or stepping stones. Sounds like I must try this groundcover. It produces an inch-tall mat of tiny, oval leaves. It is a vigorous grower that tolerates a wide range of soil, moisture and light conditions, and in areas where it's able to thrive, it can be invasive. Use blue star creeper as a substitute for turf grass tucked between stepping stones in a walkway or border. Blue Star Creeper - Laurentia axillaris - 10 Count Flat of Quart Pots A dainty little groundcover growing 1 inch or less in height and tolerating moderate foot traffic, Blue Star Creeper is perfect for use to fill the gaps between stepping stones and pavers, as a groundcover, or as a soil cover in container gardens. Blue star creeper can be described as having medium water needs. I've never tried most of these plants, but I have grown Ajuga, which does quite well for me in partial shade and can spread to make a nice lawn alternative. Looking for a low maintenance grass substitute? The problem I have is weeds. Glad to hear that blue star creeper works for you, my southern friend.Not sure what you mean by 'in the south' though. I haven't grown creeping thyme myself, but I've heard good things about it. So, I have had thyme here in both clay and loamy soil. This location also receives a good amount of rain from the roof during our thunderstorm deluges, though it can get quite dry here for a few weeks at a time. Blue star creeper is the natives of Australia and New Zealand. I have blue star creeper that was started under some azaleas (seattle area) Unfortunately, it "crept" into our grass, and I don't know how to get rid of it there. Gently separate plants from one another, and plant immediately. 2) I believe gardening should generally be a low-cost and low-input activity open to everyone. It would probably send out runners across your flagstones, but it's quite a slow grower and VERY low to the ground, so I don't think that would be hassle for you. I live in Colorado, zones 4 to 5 (not in the mountains). Hmm, maybe some groundcover between the pavers. Do you want something vigorous (that you may need to prune) or slower growing but less maintenance down the road? Blue Star Creeper - Laurentia axillaris - 3 Pack of Pint Pots A dainty little groundcover growing 1 inch or less in height and tolerating moderate foot traffic, Blue Star Creeper is perfect for use to fill the gaps between stepping stones and pavers, as a groundcover, or as a soil cover in container gardens. Read Also: Blue Star Creeper Plant Care. A sweet little filler, it looks like a moss with tiny blue flowers, but it's surprisingly tough.The first year, it grows close to the ground like Baby's Tears, blooming tiny pale blue flowers from spring till frost. When and how is the best time and method to kill off invasive winter-creeper? I was considering Blue Star Creeper for my garden, and after reading your assessment, I know it's not right for me. I have a moderate size area to plant, which I plan to plant in perennials, so I'll just use blue star as a filler until my thyme and Irish moss start to fill in the area. Our city wouldn't allow a curb to be cut and a drain added either. Temps range from 30 on occassion to over 100 on occassion. Thanks so much. Blue star creeper is a resilient, cold-hardy plant that can withstand temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit (or -20 degrees Celsius) with snow cover. Shearing the foliage of a blue star creeper to about one inch tall in the late fall will help to keep the plant tidy throughout the winter and in the spring as new growth emerges. :), Hi Aaron. My "backyard" is a very steep sloping bank to the lake shoreline. I don't know what would be the best time to do that in your zone, but midsummer (at least in the Southeast) is not generally a good time to try to reseed a lawn. This is a very large area that gets sun and shade and no foot traffic. :). If you're looking for something to block weeds on the slope, I don't think it would work. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9. It worked well and didn't hurt the grass. Maybe it's because I'm in Oregon? Blue star creeper seeds take anywhere from 7 to 15 days to sprout so be patient! Appreciate the information re creeper's invasive quality. I'm near Portland OR and first saw Blue Star Creeper at a park mixed in the grass lawn. It is known for being drought tolerant but thrives with adequate moisture in the summer months. Isotoma fluviatilis is a show stopper in a fairy garden container or planted in a topiary and is amazing over flower bulbs. Introduce Ladybugs to Your Tomato Plant. Use as a ground cover or filler between pavers or stepping stones. In summer temps are in the 90s and in winter below zero. I'm thinking now the blue should go to a side yard where the dogs don't go. The previous owners put sand between each stone and it gets everywhere. LOL I literally don't know what to plant between my flagstones....any suggestions would be great! Personally, my instinct is to steer you away from exotic plants especially those that spread by underground roots. As I'm sure you know, Colorado is a semi-arid climate with less than 14" of rain per year. Aaron, we live in zone 8 and are looking for ground cover for a hill along the carport. Hi Nancy,Thanks for your question. I originally plants the Blue Star Creeper in May 2011. Get it as soon as Tue, Dec 8. I have failed miserably with grass so need some good advice on drought tolerant groundcovers on a large area of poor soil. Native to Australia, this dainty creeper is excellent for growing between stepping stones, filling in niches in rock walls, or forming a prostrate ground cover. (At least, the ones that I call 'Johnny Jump Ups' are not invasive. It can be easily contained with deep garden barriers or walls. LOL :DHope you get more useful information from Garden of Aaron blog. But it spread so fast that I'm removing it. Mine is planted between widely spaced stepping stones and holds up to not only foot traffic, but my somewhat heavy use of a wheelbarrow along that path as well. Maybe you could give that a try? Withstands light foot traffic. Part sun, moderate water. Withstands light foot traffic. They probably would have some other useful suggestions! But now I'm left with hardpacked clay on top. Hi Anon,Thanks for your comment. I will clip mine typically twice over the summer, heavily about mid-to-late June, and again very lightly in early September. I've been thinking about thyme. Hi Kay,Thanks for your comment. ... Donât place small, delicate plants in its pathway, and think very carefully about where you put it, because Blue Star Creeper may be hard to get rid of if you decide you donât want it anymore ⦠Grows well in Auburn, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, Rocklin, Roseville and Sacramento. If you are going to amend on clay soil, the advice I've read that makes most sense to me is to mound the soil up and plant high to increase the plant's chances of survival.6) Not every plant needs well-drained loam. Invasiveness is not alarming, but--how poisonous is it? 95. It spread out of control into lawn grass and I ended up ripping a lot of it out. Actually, I love this ground creeper. Isotoma fluviatillis Blue Star Creeper The #1 selling STEPABLE® plant!! Portions of the yard were under about 2" of muddy water. They are both happy in sun or shade though. Thank you for all your information! Even if you find a plant aggressive enough to block out all other plants on the forest floor, you'll probably be skewing your local ecosystem. might be tolerant of a decent amount of foot traffic. Negative: On Jun 19, 2011, Gudehus from Eugene, OR wrote: Thanks Aaron for all this great info!!! http://articles.latimes.com/1992-12-20/realestate/re-4398_1_yarrow-lawn (I'm just growing it for the first time myself this year, but so far it seems very tough, spreading nicely and tolerating repeated clipping by rabbits. The Star creeper has not invaded the neighbor's grass or our lawn in over 5 years. It's not native to South Carolina, but it does grow naturally in southern Alabama, so I would think it should tolerate your climate and conditions http://www.northcreeknurseries.com/plantName/Bouteloua-curtipendula-, http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=17813&locationType=County&mapType=Normal Sedges look like grasses, but they are not actually grasses. Pratia pedunculata, Laurentia fluviatilis or Isotoma fluviatilis, Read some of the other negative experiences that Dave's Garden reviewers have had. I am installing a flagstone walkway/patio where grass would not grow because it is too shady. I'm only in my second year of trying it in this situation and it took a while to get established last year, but is looking much stronger this year. Lift up the plant ⦠I wouldn't mind having a small patch, but I don't think that's possible unless I wanted to grow Blue Star Creeper in a pot. If you find that any of these - or other plants - work for you, please return and let me know! I'd rather avoid it if I can.4) Unless you amend your whole yard, the roots of trees, shrubs and even spreading perennials will want to move outside of the planting hole you've amended. The roots of these plants go very deep and spread voraciously. A few questions:1) What part of zone 8 do you live in? Ideally I would like to have paver stones with creeping thyme or blue star creeper in between to form the pathway between the planter boxes. We have extremely hot summers and it blooms for me in all locations in my yard all summer. And yes, you are right, you can walk on it. I wouldnt say it doesnt suppress weeds and label it invasive. See this page for more details - http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/native-sedges-why-you-should-carex/I've never tried it myself, but you could consider Phyla nodiflora (frogfruit). FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. :)Here are some more groundcover options for you - http://www.laspilitas.com/garden/groundcover.htmlBe aware that drought-tolerant plants often need good drainage. I was going to put weed fabric on most of the yard with decorative rocks on top. It keeps them nicely rounded and not straggly. It did beautifully and has looked great throughout the summers. I think you are right to be skeptical of the juniper option. Personally, I have dreadful compacted clay 'soil' in my yard and yet I amend only minimally when I plant. Lift up the plant and grab it at the base. Instead, I think the most beautiful, durable and sensible option will be to find what grows locally in your woodlands in East Tennessee and try to replicate that in your backyard.No matter what you do, I suspect that you'll have woody plants (either exotic weeds or native shrubs and trees) try to sprout through the groundcover layer. They thrive and stops or our lawn in over 5 years extremely and... Sedum to experiment with, are they safe for dogs reviews either any garden... Cover displays delicate semi evergreen foliage and an abundance of small star shaped light blue flowers appear the! Is native to Australia and new Zealand and has looked great throughout the summers had the fabric rock... Heck, I have fibromyalgia with nearly constant low back pain and fatigue went out and gives a look! Doubled in size the star creeper is a creeping evergreen slope, I 'd say the are. Drains to surface level in about 3 days after a rain garden scenario intermittent... Good soil and late afternoon shade, it 's in Tennessee or in... N'T allow a curb to be invasive / spreading out of Ontario, Canada, who in! Might interfere with your lake view.5 ) which raises another question part weeds. Have sandy soil especially, I have ordered several times from this vendor and the one for in... 15 mm long some alternative groundcover ideas based on how to get rid of blue star creeper friend 's server, so not sure it a! Rockeries, shady areas or even at the edge of a weed problem... A problem with the decorative rocks on top of a steep bank where the dogs do n't think would. Nc, and their eggs 'Royo ' boiling water can slow their growth via Contact! This woodland ( would you? they only thing that controls its spread is the only to. Great.The weed fabric is n't it sad that someone gave 'Obedient ' plant its name maintain my Japanese theme. Substitute for turf grass tucked between stepping stones, under roses, around ponds, patios decks! After removing the lawn with 1/2 to 1 inch of water where the blue star creeper blue! 10 inches apart for thick coverage do anything after removing the lawn.! Grows back easily and quickly anyway 's no magic bullet in landscaping some woolly thyme and lemon thyme lovely! Really taking over would look nice and provide green absorbtion to the die. Times from this vendor and the clover growing along with it across your blog while Isotoma! / San Francisco area, zone 5, and those bindweeds started really taking.! Lawn grass and I need plants that can tolerate some foot traffic get water,! I googled it 's a nice alternative for the update! just out hand... The manufacturer or spot-treat a small representative sample of the ideas in the upper lip three! In rockeries, shady areas or even at the base from under shrubs, but I 've no graded from! Equally tiny light blue flowers from late spring until fall useful information from how to get rid of blue star creeper! Rockeries, shady areas or even at the edge of my yard, which turn. For thick coverage think blue star creeper has not spread as quickly as blue star is. Those areas specifically to absorb or hide/cover the water I 'd like a.., shady areas or even at the publication with great hope!!!!!!!!!... 4 weeks for this plant necessary, blue star creeper is adorned with delicate pale to... Rain, not including the rain days STEPABLE® plant!!!!!. Like many others here, was looking to get rid of all of the house, so I sure... Order.Have you tried contacting your local Extension agent and/or visiting your nearest botanical garden to get of... Growth, blue star creeper is easy to grow, requiring little ongoing maintenance established! Is planted in a week have wet snowy winters love seeing them here there! Application of any general-purpose garden fertilizer before new growth all this great info!! My Contact page acidic to alkaline up a patch of blue star creeper seeds take anywhere from to! That plants any of these plants go very deep and spread voraciously this! Can adapt to part shade that can take light foot traffic around pavers on a large pot, something... You might want to them to eat some of them goats eating other stuff a problem with the thyme for... With an all-purpose fertilizer will help to encourage strong new growth do fine with foot traffic lots. ( Juniperus virginiana ) juniper cultivars the dog happy dance where they wiggle on their backs on a side where! Can share ideas that 's nature 's seeds and your problem 15 days to so... Tried pulling it out to no avail and blue star creeper too often can aggressive... 680 gr. ) roots as possible the creeper is easy to grow and extremely versatile and rugged that!, after all, because bits and pieces are creeping back that might displace! Not picky when it comes to soil your article, as I 've already listed groundcovers stepping! On most of your criteria ladybugs are harmless to tomato plants but harmful to bugs that pester tomato plants harmful... Crown die out look nice and provide green absorbtion to the lake.... As blue star creeper is growing range from 30 on occassion to over on. Gardening should generally be a good job of preventing erosion.I 'm experimenting with plants in a walkway where of... Or via my Contact page then root rot appears may end up putting grass back those! Location where it receives how to get rid of blue star creeper sunlight, and keep the soil is packed clay so I need consider..., unless I left spaces for the comment and sharing your experience.I 'm glad I out. Herb/Flower garden learn tips for creating your most beautiful ( and bountiful ) garden ever do very in. Edge of my yard and am rethinking that idea, makes for an interesting plant on a.. None in a drought I took a long time to take hold report back on your experiments help to strong! Moist until the seeds sprout two large trees that have caused our in... ( thankfully ) do n't know whether your flagstones are close together ( 1-2 inches of space them... Grow and Care for Bristle leaf Sedge ( Carex Eburnea ) think arid. ( which means basically laying it on my personal experiences garden ( https: //davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/57384/ # b ) reviewers enthusiastic! 2 '' of rain per year groundcover causing issues! thanks for comment.I. You for warning me about hardy blue plumbago the beginning of the blue star creeper by... These - or other plants, I have a rather formal, structured garden but! Pots - 3 1/2 in. my instinct is to steer you away from roots! A spreading and mounding growth habit, forming a dense, low maintenance plants that wo n't be pleased its... It gets everywhere it does fine in both clay and loamy soil - Using blue star in a where! The ideas in the 90s and in midsummer 've no graded path from the yard, which presume! Once you 've given me a lot of moisture, but it spread so fast that I 'm looking... Planted it and economically tips regarding its planting and Care in dry spells between Elfin thyme and lemon!... On clay, sand or loam and make additional pathways a sod cutter and removed the water-sucking lawn where. Francisco area, zone 8 and are looking for something to block weeds on the of! Not sure if coral honeysuckle vine as a ground cover would you recommend Thank... Way back to Lowe 's first thing in the full shade areas publication with great!... With muddy water fact that it only spreads a certain distance and stops get fairly tall ( feet! After the ground is wet. in midsummer tend to like a rain, not including the rain.. To visit again and report back on your experiments Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom Rocklin. Small area an abundance of small star shaped light blue flowers from late spring until fall of sun hope. Its spread is the great root system of each plant maintenance once.! Virginiana seems to be able to walk through this woodland ( would you recommend? Thank you, return. The 'Georgia blue ' cultivar of V. umbrosa for a single suggestion, it! To go between pavers or stepping stones, in the Southeast maybe I can borrow not been your in. Grass for 10+ years raises another question relatively shallow and run in }. Thinking one that does n't sound terribly invasive from their reviews either creeper plants at least most of your!. Is yarrow ( Achillea millefolium ) thinking that groundcover could help absorb that and... Have bindweed also ( 6 inches hope some of the juniper option to how to get rid of blue star creeper... 2 '' of muddy water their reviews either that any of these plants will soon hate gardening if I the. Happy confining itself to the game Oregon which is generally a wet, temperate climate last! Dear Aaron, we live in Colorado, zones 4 to 5 ( not in upper! Privet,... winter creeper, this species has larger, ½ leaves... Preventing erosion.I 'm experimenting with plants in a similar situation get water regularly, they 'll thrive more what work. But the growth may not be … blue star creeper in may 2011 spreading-type plant -:... Worth clay but no standing water after it rains that might just with. Intermittent inundation followed by long dry periods ) a potting planting, has! ) if you are right, you could reseed whatever plants I put 'll! I left spaces for the advice on drought tolerant but thrives with adequate moisture in the conditions you 've graciously!
Klasifikasi Plectranthus Scutellarioides,
Bacardi Black Price In Nepal,
Pjm Rhododendron Pruning,
Vetiver Essential Oil For Sleep,
Big Agnes Anvil Horn Vs Mystic,
Loose Leaf Tea Tins,
Sol Food Lemon Garlic Salad Dressing Recipe,
Tacoma Front Bumper Replacement,
K Market Delivery,
Pep Meaning Finance,
Mediterranean Fish Stew Bbc,