Also known as Blue Star Creeper · 94 saves
Isotoma
Isotoma, the genus most gardeners know as blue star creeper. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Isotoma varieties
Browse all 4 Isotoma varieties →
Species of Isotoma
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Isotoma in Sow
Save the Isotoma you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Isotoma
Whats common across all Isotoma varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Isotoma year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October75% of varieties
Plant transplants after the danger of hard frost has passed.
- PruneJuly75% of varieties
Shear lightly mid-season to refresh foliage and encourage new blooms.
- FertilizeMay and July75% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer twice during the growing season.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 💧
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape ✂️
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring 🌱
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly 🧐
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering period
- Refrain from using heavy clay soil that retains excess water
What goes wrong with Isotoma
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky honeydew and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses on stems and leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with miticide or insecticidal soap |
| Slugs and Snails | Small holes or shredded areas on the tiny leaves, especially in damp weather. | Use organic iron phosphate baits. Encourage natural predators. Since it's a dense groundcover, chemical control is difficult. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, mushy roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and remove affected plants |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on foliage | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Isotoma
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem cuttings 4-6 inches long.
- Insert cuttings into moist soil or water.
- Mist regularly to maintain humidity.
- Roots develop in about 4-6 weeks.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil and lightly cover.
- Keep soil consistently moist for 2-3 weeks.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
Isotoma questions
How many types of Isotoma are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Isotoma varieties. The most popular — ranked by 94 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Isotoma grow in?
Across its varieties, Isotoma covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Isotoma bloom?
Most Isotoma varieties bloom in mid-spring, early summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Isotoma should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.