Family Mazaceae Rank Species | Genus Mazus Higher classification Mazus | |
Similar Mazus, Creeping jenny, Embryophyte, Sagina subulata, Mother‑of‑Thyme | ||
Mazus reptans
Mazus reptans, common name creeping mazus, is a low-growing perennial plant native to the Himalayas region of Asia.
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Description
Mazus reptans is a herbaceous plant with alternate, simple leaves, on creeping and rooting stems. The plant, also known as the Lippenmäulchen in German, is a persevering herbaceous plant with growth heights of under 6 inches (15 cm), and a spread of 6–12 inches (15–30 cm).
The flowers are purple-blue to white, borne in spring and summer. The flower crown is 2-lipped and violet-blue to pink or white, inside with white and yellow spots. The period of bloom reaches from Spring through Summer.
The capsule fruits which contain small seeds are formed.
Cultivation
Mazus reptans is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a groundcover in gardens and container gardening. Creeping mazus can quickly form a dense ground-hugging carpet of bright green foliage, with showy seasonal flowers. It's fingernail sized lance-shaped toothed leaves typically remain green throughout the growing season, and it is evergreen in hardiness zones 5—8. It spreads quickly due to the stems rooting.
The plant is best grown in moist but well-drained soil, receiving irrigation from 'average' up to 30 centimetres (12 in)/year. It prefers protected full sun to half-shade locations.
Creeping mazus is used in smaller open areas, between stepping stones in paths and patios, a trailing plant in pots, and in flower beds.
It can also be used as a beneficial ground cover for grape vines (Vitis spp.), or the spring foliage of bulbs.