Pratia Puberola

Trailing Pratia / Alpine Pratia / Matted Pratia / Blue Pratia

Botanical Name: Pratia puberola
Family: Campanulaceae
Origin: Eastern Australia
Plant Type: Groundcover

Overview

A dainty, fast-spreading groundcover perfect for Adelaide and South Australian gardens. Pratia puberula forms a low, evergreen mat that slips neatly between pavers and spills over edges, staying fresh and green with modest care. From spring into autumn it dots itself with tiny starry blue-lilac flowers, adding soft colour and nectar for small pollinators.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 3–8 cm H × 50–150 cm W (spreading mat)
• Growth Rate: 10-20 (spread) cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Small mid-green leaves with fresh lime tints on new growth; can softly bronze in winter cold
• Flowers: Starry pale blue to lilac blooms spring–autumn, heaviest in spring
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen carpet year-round with months of delicate blue flowers; subtle cool-season foliage tints add extra interest
• Wildlife Value: Good for Pollinators (visits from small native bees/hoverflies)
• Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant (with afternoon shade), Coastal-Tolerant (sheltered), Light Frost Hardy; prefers even moisture and free-draining soil (improve heavy clay)
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 6–9 plants/m² (≈30–40 cm apart). Between pavers: plant plugs at 25–30 cm intervals
• Pet Friendly: Generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (in SA, part shade is ideal through summer)
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam enriched with organic matter
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 7–10 days in summer; monthly in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Shear lightly after main flush to tidy; top-up mulch in spring; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 5-10+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal Adelaide
• Soil pH: Slightly Acid, Neutral (tolerates mildly alkaline if drainage is good)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Living grout between stepping stones, paths and courtyard pavers
• Spillover edging for raised beds, rockeries and low walls
• Soft groundcover under roses and small shrubs where a low, flowering carpet is desired

Why You Will Love It

Creates an instant soft green carpet with pretty blue stars for months—ideal for Adelaide courtyards and paths. Easy, compact and low-growing, it neatens edges and cools paving with minimal fuss.