Botanical Name: Isotoma fluviatilis

Common Name: Blue Star Creeper

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 5–9)

Size: 1–3" Tall × 12–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Very Low-Growing, Spreading Ground Cover

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to Average Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture Encourages Faster Fill-In

Bloom Season: Late Spring through Summer

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Tiny Star-Shaped Blue Flowers, Fine Textured Evergreen Foliage, Light Foot Traffic Tolerant

Uses: Ideal for Ground Cover, Between Stepping Stones, Pathways, Rock Gardens, and Edging

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Blue Star Creeper Plant Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Blue Star Creeper

Blue Star Creeper is a refined, ground-hugging perennial valued for its fine texture and clouds of tiny, pale blue flowers that appear in late spring and often continue into early summer. Each bloom is only about the size of a pencil eraser, but when the plant is in flower, they form a continuous veil of color just above the foliage. This subtle display makes it especially effective in places where plants are viewed up close, such as between pavers, along walkways, or at the front edge of garden beds.

The foliage forms a tight, low mat that typically stays under a few inches tall, creating a clean, finished look without frequent trimming. In regions with mild winters, Blue Star Creeper often remains evergreen, maintaining its soft green carpet even outside the main growing season. As it fills in, it naturally shades the soil, helping reduce weed pressure and stabilize bare areas without looking heavy or overgrown.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

Blue Star Creeper has shown us a dependable, well-mannered growth habit. It spreads gradually to knit together open spaces but doesn’t run aggressively or overwhelm neighboring plants. Once established, it tolerates occasional foot traffic, which makes it a practical option for stepping-stone paths and lightly used garden walkways.

Its adaptability is another strong point. Blue Star Creeper performs reliably in full sun to partial shade and prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil, though it handles short dry spells better than many people expect. We’ve also found it pairs naturally with spring bulbs, creeping thyme, and other low-growing perennials, filling in around them without competition. Deer tend to ignore it, and aside from occasional watering during establishment, it requires very little ongoing care.