Mazus reptans, common name creeping mazus, is a heterotypic synonym of Mazus miquelii,[1] [2] a low-growing perennial plant native to the East Asia, and widely introduced in the United States.[2]
Mazus reptans is a herbaceous plant with alternate, simple leaves, on creeping and rooting stems. It grows less than 6inches, with a spread of 6-.[3]
The purple-blue to white flowers are borne in spring and summer.[3] The flower crown is 2-lipped and violet-blue to pink or white, inside with white and yellow spots. The period of bloom lasts from Spring through Summer.[3]
The capsule fruits contain small seeds.
Mazus reptans is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a groundcover in gardens and container gardening.[3] Creeping mazus can quickly form a dense ground-hugging carpet of bright green foliage, with showy seasonal flowers.[3] It's fingernail sized lance-shaped toothed leaves typically remain green throughout the growing season, and it is evergreen in hardiness zones 5–8.[3] 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 30cm (10inches) per year. It prefers protected full sun to half-shade locations.[3]
Creeping mazus is used in smaller open areas, between stepping stones in paths and patios, a trailing plant in pots, and in flower beds.[3]
It can also be used as a beneficial ground cover for grape vines (Vitis spp.),[4] or the spring foliage of bulbs.