A creeping, mat-forming groundcover with tiny leaves studded with starry pale blue flowers, tolerant of light foot traffic. An excellent lawn substitute and paving filler for moist spots.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Mature size: 5 cm H × 1 m W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun, full sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: consistently moist soil
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Matted Pratia
Botanically, Lobelia pedunculata is a fast-growing spreading groundcover in the Campanulaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. It reaches around 5 cm tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Blue and white flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Matted Pratia
Matted Pratia suits cool-temperate and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun, full sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Matted Pratia does best in free-draining and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Matted Pratia prefers consistently moist soil. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Matted Pratia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Matted Pratia in the garden
Matted Pratia earns its place for a low lawn alternative and holding soil on banks and slopes.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Matted Pratia with species that also favour consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Matted Pratia
Plant Sale lists Matted Pratia as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
