Product Description
Mazus reptans (3.5-inch pot)
Blue Mazus, creeping mazus
- Height: 2-3 Inches
- Spread: 12-18 Inches
- Hardiness Zone: 5/6-8
- Full Sun - Part Shade
- Semi-Evergreen
- Afternoon Shade in the South preferred
- Consistent Moisture needed - not wet
- Useful between stepping stones
Mazus reptans, commonly known as creeping mazus, is a low-growing, semi-evergreen perennial plant that is native to Asia and member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). Creeping mazus is a fast-spreading plant that can quickly form a dense mat of foliage. The leaves are small, lance-shaped, and green. The flowers are small and purple-blue and appear in spring and summer, not dramatic, but they are attractive to butterflies.
Mazus reptans can be grown in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers partial shade especially in Southern zones. The soil should be moist but not wet, well-drained soil. Mazus reptans does not like extended dry periods, so water if needed during the summer months.
Space the plants about 12 inches apart. Mazus reptans will spread quickly, so you don't need to plant them too close together.
Creeping mazus is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of settings. It is a popular choice for groundcover, as it can tolerate light-medium foot traffic around steppingstones and is relatively easy to care for. It can also be grown in containers, rock gardens, or as an edging plant.
A light application of fertilizer in the spring will help it to grow strong. Mazus reptans is relatively pest- and disease-free, subject to powdery mildew. Mazus reptans is hardy in USDA zones 5-8. In colder climates, a light mulch will help.
With proper care, Mazus reptans will be a beautiful addition to your garden for many years to come.
Mazus reptans, also known as creeping mazus, is a charming and versatile groundcover that is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. Here is a closer look at this delightful plant:
Appearance and Characteristics:
- Low-growing: Mazus reptans is a low-growing perennial that typically reaches only 2-3 inches in height.
- Spreading habit: It spreads quickly by creeping stems that root as they go, forming a dense mat of foliage.
- Small leaves: The leaves are small, toothed, and oval-shaped, giving the plant a delicate appearance.
- Flowers: In spring and summer, Mazus reptans produces small, orchid-like flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white. The flowers often have distinctive markings, such as spots or stripes.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Mazus reptans prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Soil: It thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zones: It is typically hardy in USDA zones 5-8.
Uses in Landscaping:
- Groundcover: Mazus reptans is an excellent choice for a low-maintenance groundcover, especially in areas where you want to fill in between stepping stones or around other plants.
- Rock gardens: Its low-growing habit and delicate flowers make it a great addition to rock gardens.
- Container gardening: It can also be used as a trailing plant in containers.
Benefits:
- Attractive flowers: The small, orchid-like flowers add a touch of color to the garden.
- Fast spreading: It quickly forms a dense mat, making it effective at suppressing weeds.
- Tolerates some foot traffic: It can withstand light foot traffic, making it suitable for pathways.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Can be invasive: In ideal conditions, it can spread aggressively, so it may need to be contained.
- Requires moist soil: It consistently needs moist soil to thrive.
Additional Tips:
- Planting: The best time to plant Mazus reptans is in the spring or fall.
- Spacing: Space plants about 6-12 inches apart.
- Maintenance: Trim back any unwanted growth to control its spread.
Overall, Mazus reptans is a charming and versatile groundcover that is perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden. Its delicate flowers, fast-spreading habit, and tolerance of some foot traffic make it a popular choice for gardeners.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
