Lobelia purpurascens
white root
Overview
Lobelia purpurascens, formerly known as Pratia purpurascens, is a prostrate, creeping perennial in the family Campanulaceae, forming a low mat 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) high that spreads by slender, white underground and surface runners. The small leaves are oval to spoon-shaped, 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) long, green above and often purplish beneath. From late spring through summer it bears small star-shaped flowers about 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) across, white to pale mauve with thin purple lines, each on a short stalk above the foliage. Small berries follow. It grows in open forest, woodland, and grassland across eastern Australia, from Queensland to Victoria and Tasmania, usually in moist, lightly shaded ground. The creeping stems root at the nodes, letting the plant knit into a groundcover and fill gaps between other plants. It tolerates light foot traffic and short dry spells once established but prefers steady moisture and browns in extended drought. Light frost is tolerated. The mat can spread into beds and lawns and may need containing. In deep shade growth becomes thin and flowering drops.
Native Range
Lobelia purpurascens is native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to Tasmania. It grows in open forest, woodland, and grassland, usually in moist, lightly shaded ground.Suggested Uses
Grown as a groundcover between pavers and stepping stones, in rockeries, and as a lawn substitute in moist, lightly shaded areas. It knits gaps between shrubs and trails from containers and raised beds. The mat tolerates light foot traffic once established.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 2"
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
White to pale mauve star-shaped flowers open from late spring through summer, roughly November to March in the native range. The flowers are held singly on short stalks above the mat. Small berries follow the flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale mauveFoliage Description
green, purplish beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-7 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in part shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Water through dry spells, as the mat browns in extended drought and prefers steady moisture. Light frost and gentle foot traffic are tolerated once established. A light feed in spring supports denser cover. Trim runners that spread into beds or lawn, as the stems root wherever they touch moist ground. Growth thins and flowering drops in deep shade.Pruning
No formal pruning is needed. Trim or mow on a high setting to level the mat or hold it within bounds. Runners that creep beyond the intended area can be cut back, since the stems root at the nodes.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing