White Star Creeper (Laurentia Fluviatilis) is a charming and versatile ground cover plant that adds a touch of elegance to gardens and landscapes. Native to New Zealand, White Star Creeper belongs to the family Campanulaceae. It is a low-growing perennial that forms a dense mat of small, rounded leaves, creating a soft and velvety texture. We also carry Blue Star Creeper.
Growing and Caring For White Star Creeper
When planting White Star Creeper, choose a location that receives partial to full sunlight, although it can tolerate some shade. Ensure the soil is well-draining and moderately fertile. Plant the White Star Creeper approximately 6 to 12 inches apart to allow for adequate spreading. Regular watering, especially during periods of drought, is essential to establish healthy growth, but be cautious not to overwater as this plant prefers slightly moist conditions rather than waterlogged soil.
White Star Creeper requires minimal maintenance once established. Regular pruning is recommended to keep the plant tidy and to encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Deadheading spent flowers can also prolong the blooming period and prevent self-seeding, which may become invasive in some regions. Additionally, applying a balanced fertilizer in spring can promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
To prevent weed competition and promote optimal growth, consider mulching around the base of the White Star Creeper. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppresses weeds, and maintains a consistent soil temperature. However, avoid heavy mulching directly over the plant’s crown to prevent rot. With proper care and attention, White Star Creeper can thrive, creating a beautiful carpet of white blooms that adds a touch of charm and beauty to any garden or landscape setting.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of White Star Creeper are small and bright green. They possess a lush, carpet-like quality as they spread across the ground. These diminutive leaves are typically arranged in pairs along the trailing stems, creating a lush and verdant texture that is an appealing backdrop to its blossoms.
The flowers of White Star Creeper bloom profusely during the warmer months, usually from spring to early summer. The plant produces numerous star-shaped white flowers that give rise to its common name. These delicate blooms have five petals that radiate outwards, creating a celestial appearance akin to stars scattered across the ground.
Uses in the Garden
- Ground Cover: White Star Creeper is commonly used as a ground cover plant due to its low-growing, spreading habit. It forms a dense carpet of foliage and delicate white flowers, effectively suppressing weeds and adding visual interest to garden beds, borders, and rockeries.
- Rock Gardens: Its compact growth and tolerance for various soil conditions make White Star Creeper an ideal choice for rock gardens. Planted between rocks or stepping stones, it softens hard edges and adds a touch of charm with its delicate blooms.
- Container Gardening: White Star Creeper can be grown in containers, hanging baskets, or window boxes, adding a cascade of white flowers and lush green foliage to patios, balconies, and other outdoor living spaces. Its trailing habit makes it a lovely addition to mixed container arrangements.
- Pathway Edging: Planted along pathways or walkways, White Star Creeper creates a charming border, defining the edges while adding a pop of color with its white flowers. Its low-growing nature ensures it won’t obstruct foot traffic and requires minimal maintenance once established.
Can You Grow White Star Creeper In A Pot?
Yes, White Star Creeper can be grown in a pot, but choosing a container that provides adequate drainage and space for the plant to spread is important. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container receives sufficient sunlight, as White Star Creeper prefers partial to full sunlight. Regular watering is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Since White Star Creeper has a spreading habit, you may need to divide and repot it occasionally to prevent overcrowding in the container.
Is White Star Creeper Evergreen?
White Star Creeper (Pratia angulata) is typically considered semi-evergreen. In milder climates or regions with mild winters, it may retain its green foliage throughout the year, making it effectively evergreen. However, in colder climates, it may experience some dieback or lose its foliage during winter. Overall, its evergreen or semi-evergreen nature depends on the specific growing conditions and climate of its location.