Mazus reptans

Description

Mazus reptans – creeping mazus

Botanical name: Mazus reptans
Common names: Creeping mazus
Family: Mazaceae
Plant type: Semi-evergreen perennial
Habit: Low, vigorous, mat-forming
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 5cm tall × 30–45cm spread
Foliage: Small, toothed green leaves forming a low carpet; semi-evergreen
Flowers: Lilac-blue, lipped flowers with white-and-yellow markings, early summer (May–July)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H4 (hardy, to about −10°C); USDA zones 5–8
Exposure: Sheltered
Native range: Himalaya
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Mazus reptans is a vigorous creeping groundcover forming low mats studded in early summer with lilac-blue, lipped flowers. Ideal between paving, in damp rockeries and at border edges in sun or light shade.

GardenAdvice notes

A low, fast-spreading perennial forming a dense, ground-hugging carpet, creeping mazus roots as it goes to knit between paving and cover damp ground quickly. It carries pretty little lipped flowers, like miniature snapdragons, in early summer, and is tough enough to take light foot traffic.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade, where the ground stays reliably moist. It is ideal between stepping stones, in paving cracks, at the front of damp borders and around pond edges. Space about 30cm apart; it fills in quickly.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance provided it does not dry out — keep the soil moist, especially in sun. It can spread vigorously, so trim or lift sections in spring to keep it in bounds. No feeding is usually needed. It tolerates occasional light treading between paving.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide, or detach naturally rooted pieces, in spring and replant.
• Rooted stems: Sections of stem root as they spread and can be lifted and moved almost any time in growth.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Its main need is moisture — it browns and thins if it dries out — and it can spread beyond its space. Otherwise little troubled by pests or disease.

Uses in the garden

Excellent as groundcover between stepping stones and paving, in damp rockeries, at the front of moist borders and around pond margins, softening edges and suppressing weeds.

Wildlife value

The small early-summer flowers provide nectar for bees and other small pollinating insects.

Toxicity & safety

Creeping mazus is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets, and its low mat is safe to walk on lightly.

GardenAdvice tip

Mazus is a lovely alternative to moss or thyme for planting between stepping stones, as it takes the odd footstep and knits into a neat green carpet dotted with flowers. The one thing it won’t tolerate is drying out, so keep it for a spot that stays reliably moist, in sun or light shade.

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