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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Matted Pratia is consistently moist soil. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Matted Pratia after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
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 a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Matted Pratia with other plants that enjoy the same consistently moist soil and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.