| Mazus reptans | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| 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] It grows less than 15 centimetres (6 in), with a spread of 15–30 centimetres (6–12 in).[1]
The purple-blue to white flowers are 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 lasts from Spring through Summer.[1]
The capsule fruits contain small seeds.
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) per 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
- Gordon Cheers (Ed.): "Botanica"; Random House Australia; 2003. German issue: Tandem publishing company Ltd in 2003, ISBN 3-8331-1600-5.