Mazus reptans

Creeping mazus
Flowering plant
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Plantae
Clade:Angiosperms
Clade:Eudicots
Clade:Asterids
Order:Lamiales
Family:Mazaceae
Genus:Mazus
Species: M. reptans
Binomial name
Mazus reptans

Mazus reptans, common name creeping mazus, is a low-growing perennial plant native to the Himalayas region of Asia.

Description

Mazus reptans is a herbaceous plant with alternate, simple leaves, on creeping and rooting stems.[1] 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).[1]

The flowers are purple-blue to white, borne in spring and summer.[1] 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.[1]

The capsule fruits which contain small seeds are formed.

Mazus reptans — flower closeup.
Mazus reptans — blooming groundcover.

Cultivation

Mazus reptans is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a groundcover in gardens and container gardening.[1] Creeping mazus can quickly form a dense ground-hugging carpet of bright green foliage, with showy seasonal flowers.[1] It's fingernail sized lance-shaped toothed leaves typically remain green throughout the growing season, and it is evergreen in hardiness zones 5—8.[1] 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.[1]

Creeping mazus is used in smaller open areas, between stepping stones in paths and patios, a trailing plant in pots, and in flower beds.[1]

It can also be used as a beneficial ground cover for grape vines (Vitis spp.),[2] or the spring foliage of bulbs.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Fine Gardening magazine: Plant Guide for Mazus reptans . accessed 7.4.2012.
  2. ↑ Pollock, Candace (February 6, 2003). "Some Ground Covers May Benefit Grape Production". OSU Communications. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
  • Gordon Cheers (Ed.): "Botanica"; Random House Australia; 2003. German issue: Tandem publishing company Ltd in 2003, ISBN 3-8331-1600-5.
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