Botanical name:

Lobelia fatiscens (Isotoma fluviatilis)

Common name(s):

About:

A very low creeping plant with tiny leaves and small starry blue flowers that bloom from spring through to autumn. This charming plant is typically found in damp lowland and montane areas, thriving in its natural habitat. It can be effectively used as a ground-cover or lawn substitute in regions with low foot traffic and minimal disturbance. This plant requires a consistently moist spot, ideally in full sun or light shade to thrive. When grown in full sun, it becomes even more ground-hugging and dense. Additionally, it serves as an attractive option for containers or on retaining walls, as it will gracefully weep downwards, forming a lovely cascade of its stunning blue flowers that can enhance any garden setting.

Natural habitat:

Usually found growing in marginal turf and amongst herbs on the margins of lakes lagoons, stream banks, swamps, and among sand dunes in wet depressions. Also recorded from muddy riverbanks. Sometimes found wholly submerged in water up to 0.5 m deep. Also recorded from damp ground within open stands of kahikatoa (Leptospermum scoparium) and kamahi (Weinmannia racemosa), and in modified habitats such as roadside ditches and pasture.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Island from Nelson (mainly westerly but also known from Lake Rotoiti) and the West Coast to Fiordland (Milford Sound).

Height:

Flowering: 

August – January with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October - May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Ground cover

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, rooted pieces and by the division of whole plants. However, can be fickle and difficult to maintain. Unlike the true Isotoma fluviatilis, which has attractive blue flowers, the New Zealand plant has relatively small, inconspicuous greenish - white flowers.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.