Pratia Angulata (Panakenake) Information & Advice

Pratia Angulata Information

There is a wealth of information about Pratia angulata and The Plant Company is often asked specific questions which we have laid out in this section.

How Do You Grow Pratia Angulata (The White Star Creeper)?

Pratia angulata is a relatively easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some general guidelines:

• Choose a planting site that receives partial shade. Pratia can tolerate full sun and reasonably heavy shade.
• Pratia prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, it may struggle. Consider planting it on a mound or seeing how the drainage could be improved.
• Pratia can be planted in the spring or autumn. Dig holes that are twice the width of the plant's root ball and set the plants in the holes so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill the holes with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
• Water Pratia regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept moist but not sodden.
• Pratia does not require heavy doses of fertiliser. A light application of the correct fertiliser for Pratia during spring is usually sufficient.
• Pratia can be trimmed to control growth as necessary.
• Pratia are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to slugs and snails, and these are easily sorted with Snail Bait.
• In colder climates, it may die back to the ground in the winter, but it will usually sprout back in the spring.

How Tall Does Pratia Angulata Grow?

Pratia angulata, commonly known as Panakenake, is a low-growing, mat-forming plant that typically reaches a height of 5-10 cm. It has creeping stems that can spread up to 30 cm long. The plant's small, rounded leaves are 1-2 cm in diameter.

The compact size of Pratia angulata along with its spreading habit makes it a versatile groundcover plant with a variety of landscaping applications. It can be used to fill in gaps between taller plants, add colour and texture to rock gardens, or create a dense carpet of foliage in areas that receive full sun to partial shade.

How To Care For Pratia Angulata In NZ

Pratia angulata, also known as white star creeper or panakenake, is a lovely and relatively low-maintenance plant. It does need a little care for it to grow optimally:

Sunlight and frost: - Prefers partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate full sun, but afternoon shade is ideal. - Pratia angulata is fairly hardy and can tolerate moderate frost once established, though this is likely to make the plant defoliate and go dormant.

Soil: - Needs well-draining soil, though it can tolerate a variety of soil types. They key is good drainage. - Adding compost to the soil can improve the fertility and the plants will respond accordingly.

Watering: - Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. - Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Feeding: - Pratia does not require heavy doses of fertiliser. A light application of the correct fertiliser for Pratia during spring is usually sufficient. - NB: Over-fertilising can damage the plant.

Maintenance: - Requires little to no pruning. You can trim occasionally to maintain shape or remove any leggy growth. - Mulching around the plant can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Pratia angulata for many years!

Is Pratia Angulata An Evergreen?

Pratia angulata is considered semi-evergreen in milder climates, meaning it retains some of its foliage throughout the winter. However, in colder regions, it may lose its leaves completely during winter.

In its natural habitat of New Zealand, Pratia angulata typically retains its foliage year-round, as the climate is generally mild and moist. However, when grown in colder climates, the plant may experience some leaf drop during the winter. You can encourage Pratia angulata to retain its foliage in colder climates by ensuring it doesn’t get frosted and by applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help protect the roots from harsh winter conditions. If Pratia angulata does lose its leaves in the winter, it will typically regrow them in the spring. The plant is a vigorous grower and will quickly recover from any winter dieback.

Is Pratia Angulata Native NZ?

Pratia angulata, commonly known as panakenake, is a native flowering plant to New Zealand. It is found in both North and South Islands, typically in coastal and lowland areas. The plant is characterized by its small, white, star-shaped flowers and its dense mat-like growth habit. It is a popular choice for groundcover and rock gardens.

Pratia angulata is an important part of the New Zealand ecosystem, providing nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators. It is also a food source for birds and lizards. The plant is considered to be a taonga, a treasure or sacred item, in Māori culture.

What Are The Benefits Of Growing Pratia Angulata?

Pratia angulata, commonly known as Panakenake, is a beautiful and versatile flowering plant that offers a number of benefits to gardeners. Here are some of the key reasons why you might want to consider growing it:

• Pratia angulata produces masses of small, white, star-shaped flowers that bloom in summer and autumn. These flowers are not only attractive to look at, but they also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• It is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It is drought-tolerant once established and does not require a lot of fertilizer.
• Pratia angulata forms a dense mat-like growth habit, making it an excellent choice for groundcover. It helps to suppress weeds and prevent erosion.
• The berries that follow the flowers are attractive to birds, which can help to add interest to your garden.
• Pratia angulata is a native plant to New Zealand, so it is well-adapted to the local climate and conditions. Growing native plants helps to conserve biodiversity.
• Pratia angulata is considered to be a taonga, or treasure, in Māori culture. It is associated with peace and tranquillity.

Overall, Pratia angulata is a beautiful and versatile plant that offers a number of benefits to gardeners. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant that will add interest and beauty to your garden, then Pratia angulata is a great option.

What Are The Characteristics Of Pratia Angulata Blue Star Creeper?

Pratia angulata ‘Blue Stars’, commonly known as the Blue Star Creeper has a few characteristics that make it popular with gardeners:

Appearance: - Small and rounded leaves (about 1 cm in diameter) that are dark green. They grow oppositely on creeping stems. - The flowers are star-shaped with five blue petals fused at the base. They typically measure 1-1.5 cm in diameter and are produced in spring and summer. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to them. - Purple berries that appear after the flowers have faded.

Growth habit: - Low-growing (5-10 cm tall) and mat-forming. - Creeping stems can spread up to 30 cm long. - Forms a dense carpet of foliage that helps suppress weeds and prevent erosion.

Growing conditions: - Prefers partial shade to full shade. - Can tolerate some direct sunlight, but afternoon shade is ideal. - Needs well-draining soil. - Drought-tolerant once established. - Low-maintenance and easy to care for.

Additional notes: There is also a cultivar called Pratia 'County Park' that has darker blue flowers and is also known as the Blue Star Creeper.

Pratia angulata is a good choice for a groundcover, using in rock and cottage gardens, or for borders, and edging.

What Is The Common Name For Pratia Angulata?

Pratia angulata has several common names, including:

• Panakenake: This is the Māori name for the plant, which means "mat-like" or "spreading," reflecting its low-growing, mat-forming habit.
• Creeping Pratia: This name aptly describes the plant's creeping stems, which can spread up to 30 cm, forming a dense carpet of foliage.
• Lobelia angulata: This name is derived from the plant's resemblance to the genus Lobelia, which shares similar flower characteristics.
• Star Creeper: This name refers to the plant's small, white, star-shaped flowers that add a touch of delicate beauty to the landscape.
• Blue Star Creeper: This name is less common and is primarily used to distinguish Pratia angulata from other varieties that may have different flower colors.

Regardless of which common name you use, Pratia angulata remains a charming and versatile groundcover plant that adds a touch of elegance and natural beauty to gardens and landscaping projects.