Creeping-Bluet: A Lesser-Known Native Ground Cover Worth Considering
If you’re on the hunt for a low-growing native plant that won’t steal the spotlight but will quietly do its job in your garden, meet creeping-bluet (Oldenlandiopsis). This modest little forb might not be the flashiest plant in the nursery, but it has some qualities that make it worth a second look—especially if you’re gardening in the right climate.
What Exactly Is Creeping-Bluet?
Creeping-bluet belongs to a small genus of herbaceous plants that fall into that wonderfully broad category of forbs—basically, any vascular plant that’s not woody and not a grass. Think of it as the plant world’s equivalent of other. These plants are characterized by their lack of significant woody tissue above ground, making them softer and more flexible than shrubs or trees.
What makes creeping-bluet particularly interesting is its dual personality when it comes to lifespan. It can behave as either an annual or perennial, depending on growing conditions and local climate—nature’s way of keeping its options open.
Where Does Creeping-Bluet Call Home?
This adaptable little plant has quite the geographic spread. Creeping-bluet is native to the lower 48 United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll find it growing naturally in Florida, and it has also established itself in Hawaii, though there it’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized and reproduces on its own.
Should You Plant Creeping-Bluet in Your Garden?
The answer depends largely on where you’re gardening and what you’re trying to achieve. Here’s the honest scoop:
The Case for Planting It
- It’s native to much of the southeastern United States and Caribbean territories
- As a forb, it provides textural diversity in garden plantings
- Its flexible annual/perennial nature means it can adapt to various conditions
- Low-growing habit makes it potentially useful as a ground cover
Things to Consider
- Limited availability in nurseries due to its lesser-known status
- Specific growing requirements and care needs are not well-documented
- In Hawaii, it’s considered non-native, so local gardeners might prefer indigenous alternatives
Growing Creeping-Bluet Successfully
Here’s where things get a bit tricky—creeping-bluet isn’t exactly a mainstream garden plant, which means detailed growing information is somewhat scarce. However, based on its native range and plant characteristics, we can make some educated guesses about its preferences.
Climate Considerations
Given its natural distribution in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, creeping-bluet likely prefers warm, humid conditions typical of subtropical and tropical climates. If you’re gardening in these regions, you’re probably in the sweet spot for this plant.
General Care Tips
As with many native forbs, creeping-bluet probably appreciates:
- Well-draining soil (most natives don’t like to sit in waterlogged conditions)
- A location that mimics its natural habitat
- Minimal fertilization once established
The Bottom Line
Creeping-bluet represents one of those plants that falls into the hidden gem category—native to several regions but not widely cultivated or well-known among gardeners. If you’re in its native range and interested in supporting local plant communities, it could be worth seeking out. However, given the limited growing information available, you might want to start with better-documented native alternatives unless you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
For gardeners in Hawaii, since creeping-bluet is non-native there, consider exploring indigenous Hawaiian ground covers that would provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Sometimes the most rewarding gardening experiences come from working with lesser-known plants, but it’s always wise to start with what you know will work in your specific conditions. If you do decide to give creeping-bluet a try, approach it as an experiment and be prepared to learn as you go—after all, that’s half the fun of gardening!
