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Pratia spp.
pratia
Australia, New Zealand, and southern South America
Overview
Pratia is a genus of low, creeping perennial herbs in the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), native to Australia, New Zealand, and southern South America; many botanists now include it within Lobelia. Plants form dense, flat mats only 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) high that root along the stems and spread widely, with small rounded to oval leaves. From late spring through summer they are studded with small five-lobed star-shaped flowers, 0.5-1 cm across, in pale to mid blue, lilac, or white, each on a short stalk. The flowers are followed by small fleshy berries, often red or purple. The mats tolerate light foot traffic and are widely used as a lawn substitute and as a carpet between paving and stepping stones. Plants spread quickly in moist, mild conditions and root as they go. One limitation is a tendency to spread beyond their bounds into lawns and beds, and another is sensitivity to prolonged drought and hard frost, which scorch the mats.
Native Range
Pratia is native to Australia, New Zealand, and parts of southern South America, with related species in Asia and Africa under broader treatments. Plants grow in damp grassland, stream banks, lawns, seepage areas, and open, moist ground from lowland to montane elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown as a ground cover and lawn substitute, between paving and stepping stones, along path edges, and in containers and rock gardens where a flowering carpet is wanted. The mats suit moist, lightly trafficked areas. Plants also spill over the edges of pots and low walls.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 3"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring through summer and into early autumn, roughly October to April in the southern hemisphere or May to September in the northern. The small star-shaped flowers open continuously over the mat across many weeks. Scattered flowers can appear at other times in mild climates.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
blue, lilac, or whiteFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 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
Pratia grows in full sun to part shade in moist, free-draining soil at a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 7.0. Even moisture keeps the mats dense and green, while prolonged drought thins and browns them, so watering is needed in dry spells. The genus suits mild temperate climates and tolerates light frost, dying back where winters are hard before reshooting in spring, around USDA zones 7 to 10. Plants spread fast and are easily increased by lifting rooted pieces. A defined edge or barrier keeps the mat out of lawns and borders. Light feeding in spring supports steady growth.Pruning
Pruning is limited to trimming the spreading edges to keep the mat within bounds. Overgrown or frost-damaged patches are sheared back in spring to encourage fresh growth. Rooted pieces removed during tidying can be replanted.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons