Tiny Bluet (Houstonia pusilla)

Tiny Bluet

Houstonia pusilla

Delicate star-shaped blooms dot lawns like scattered sapphires. Low-growing herbaceous perennial; common name: Tiny Bluet.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates short periods of drought and light foot traffic
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Watering Water when top 1 cm of soil is dry; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in heavy soils
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Temperature Hardy to USDA zone 3; tolerates cold winters and warm summer temperatures without damage
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, linear to spatulate, 5–15 mm long, smooth margins
  • Flower: Star-shaped, 4 pale blue to white petals, yellow central corolla tube
  • Stem: Slender, creeping or upright, branching near base
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth periods

Fertilization

Light, diluted feed once monthly. Use a balanced, low-strength fertilizer to support flowering

Eggshell powder topdress:Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed, dried eggshells around plant bases; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent fungal growth
Pruning
  • Trim back spent blooms to encourage extended flowering into early summer
  • Remove dead foliage in early spring to promote new, healthy growth
  • Thin overcrowded mats to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Low-growing ground cover for wildflower gardens, alternative lawn, and rock garden edging