Mazus spp.

mazus

Mazaceae Asia, Australia, and New Zealand

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 5–8

Overview

Mazus spp. is a genus of about 30 low, mat-forming perennials in the family Mazaceae, native to moist ground in eastern and southern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Plants creep along the soil on rooting stems, rarely exceeding 2 in (5 cm) tall, and spread to form dense, weed-suppressing carpets. The small, spoon-shaped leaves are bright green and slightly toothed. Two-lipped tubular flowers about 0.5–0.75 in (12–20 mm) long appear in spring and early summer, mostly in purple-blue or white, the lower lip marked with white and yellow spotting that guides pollinators. M. reptans, the creeping mazus, is the species most often grown in gardens, used as a lawn substitute and between stepping stones. Plants root at the nodes as they spread, knitting quickly across bare soil. They grow in full sun to part shade on moist, fertile ground and tolerate light foot traffic. Dry soil and drought check the spread and brown the foliage, while the creeping habit can overrun small or delicate neighbors. In cold-winter regions the foliage dies back and returns from the roots in spring.

Native Range

Mazus spp. is native to damp meadows, streambanks, and disturbed ground in eastern and southern Asia, with additional species in Australia and New Zealand. M. reptans comes from the Himalayan region.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a groundcover and lawn substitute, between stepping stones and pavers, and at the front of moist borders. It softens path edges and fills gaps in rock and gravel gardens with steady moisture. The spring flowers suit small pollinator and cottage plantings.

How to Identify

Look for a low, creeping mat under 2 in (5 cm) tall with small, bright green, spoon-shaped leaves on rooting stems. In spring, two-lipped tubular flowers in purple-blue or white rise just above the foliage, the lower lip marked with white and yellow spots. Stems root at the nodes as they spread across the ground.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1" - 2"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

The main flush comes in spring and early summer, with scattered later blooms in cool, moist conditions. The small two-lipped flowers open purple-blue to white with a spotted throat and draw bees and other small insects. Tiny seed capsules follow, and plants also spread freely by rooting stems.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

purple-blue or white with white and yellow spotted throat

Foliage Description

bright green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay silt

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1 year

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Mazus spp. grows in full sun to part shade on moist, fertile, well-drained soil and spreads fast where water is steady. It tolerates light foot traffic, which makes it a common filler between pavers and stepping stones. Dry spells and drought slow the spread and brown the leaves, so consistent moisture keeps the mat dense. In cold regions the foliage dies back over winter and re-emerges from the roots in spring. The vigorous, rooting habit can overrun smaller plants, so it is placed away from delicate alpines. Division in spring or autumn lifts and resets crowded patches.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed; stray runners are trimmed or pulled to keep the mat within bounds. Tired or bare patches are cut back and topdressed to encourage fresh growth. Mowing on a high setting after flowering tidies a mazus lawn.