Also known as Blue Star Creeper · 79 gardener saves
Isotoma: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Isotoma, the genus most gardeners know as blue star creeper. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Isotoma varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBlue Star Creeper
Isotoma axillaris 'Blue Star Creeper'
#2 most savedBlue Star Creeper
Isotoma fluviatilis
#3 most savedRock Isotome
Isotoma axillaris 'White Star Creeper'
Blue Star Flower
Isotoma axillaris
How to grow Isotoma
What the Isotoma varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
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 79 real gardener saves — 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, late spring, early 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.
Keep exploring
Isotoma shows up in
Design with Isotoma in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
