Blue star Creeper (Pratia) groundcover care in fall - Ask Extension
Hi there,
I have a back yard that has a fair bit of Blue Star Creeper (Pratia) as groundcover instead of grass. I planted plugs two years ago and...
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Blue star Creeper (Pratia) groundcover care in fall #807928
Asked August 24, 2022, 11:47 PM EDT
Hi there,
I have a back yard that has a fair bit of Blue Star Creeper (Pratia) as groundcover instead of grass. I planted plugs two years ago and this summer it has filled in and is LUSH. It's also getting thick/tall (if I extend it it's probably 6 inches long?).
would it benefit from a one time mow at one point in late summer/fall, or will it die back enough in winter that it's not necessary/recommended? I just don't want to have it get matted up, but not sure that's even an issue. thanks!!!
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Carolyn and thanks for your question about maintaining your Blue Star Creeper. From what I could find, shearing (mowing) the foliage to about one inch tall in the late fall and then raking to remove debris will help to keep the plant tidy. This, however is optional and it sounds like you have introduced me to the perfect lawn replacement with low irrigation, fertilization and maintenance needs!
Thank you very much!
Thank you very much!
Hi Rhonda!
Thanks for the quick response - ok, we’ll do a one time mow at the end of October.
yes I have LOVED our ground cover - I planted wooly thyme, blue star creeper and scotch moss now two years ago for a newly landscaped backyard and I LOVE IT. I’m attaching a brag photo, hope it comes through. I love it so much I’m thinking about taking on the much bigger task of killing off my moderate amount of grass in the front yard over the next year and replacing that as well.
Cheers!
Carolyn
Oh Carolyn! How beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing that picture of your lawn replacement. It's really inspiring!
