Mazus reptans also called as Creeping mazus, is a species of the Mazus family. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a groundcover in gardens and container gardening. The plant is used in the rock garden, planted between stepping stones or used as a lawn substitute.
Mazus reptans also called as Creeping mazus, is a species of the Mazus family. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use as a groundcover in gardens and container gardening. The plant is used in the rock garden, planted between stepping stones or used as a lawn substitute.
IDENTIFY MAZUS REPTANS - CREEPING MAZUS
Mazus reptans is native to the Himalayas region of Asia. In their natural habitat, it withstands extremely frosty temperatures and enriches the landscape in summer with almost infinite flowers.
Creeping mazus is a low-growing perennial herbaceous plant which grows about to about 2 inches tall and spreads sideways via surface stolons that root when they come in contact with the ground. It has spatulate, coarsely toothed leaves to an inch long. Leaves on the horizontal stolons are opposite whereas those on stems arising from the basal rosette of leaves are alternate.
The lavender flowers appear from mid spring through early summer on lax, indeterminate scapes held just above the foliage. The ¾ inch-long flowers are tubular but with a prominent fused lip that is marked with a yellow-dotted white band. A white flowered selection called ‘Alba’ is common in nursery lists.
MAZUS REPTANS - CREEPING MAZUS CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Mazus reptans prefers protected full sun to half-shade locations. In zones 5-8, it’s an evergreen plant. It’ll grow in zone 9 as well, but prefers a little afternoon shade during the peak summer months there. Dry sunny periods can damage it and it may shrivel.
Temperature:
Creeping mazus can tolerate hot and humid weathers. They are tough plants and can tolerate being walked on. They are highly cold-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees. As soon as freezing sets in, these plants get damaged and lose its leaves but generally re-sprouts. For safety's, newly plants should be given winter protection
Substrate and growing media:
Mazus reptans thrives particularly well on sandy and well-drained soil. It can tolerate less-fertile soils as long as they drain reasonably well. Avoid hard packed clay when possible as it’s difficult for the plant to root into. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution.
Mulch any exposed areas between the plants. Mulches conserve moisture, reduce weed competition and help insulate plants from summer heat and winter cold. Pine straw, pine bark mini-nuggets and shredded hardwood mulch are commonly used.
Watering:
Creeping mazus tolerates moderate to high moisture levels, but the roots shouldn’t stand in water. When growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
Irrigate newly planted ground covers during establishment to maintain a uniform moisture level. Once established, irrigate them on an “as needed” basis.
Fertilizer:
Mazus reptans may not require annual fertilization. This is especially true if the soil is rich. Newly planted ground covers are generally fertilized more frequently than well-established groundcovers to encourage rapid plant establishment and spread. Apply fertilizers during the growing season (March to October) when plants are actively growing. A general purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, applied at four- to six-week intervals at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet during the growing season will encourage rapid plant establishment. Rinse the leaves thoroughly after applying fertilizer to prevent leaf burn. Keep in mind that fertilizer stimulates new growth and may increase maintenance requirements of established plants.
Pruning:
Creeping mazus are quite easy to prune because of their short height. As this species is a “spilling plant”, it spills to lower levels. This character makes them suitable for tiered landscapes.
Proper maintenance of ground cover plantings ensures good growth, rapid coverage and helps prevent weed competition.
Propagation:
Self-rooting stems of Mazus reptans will spread naturally on their own. But if you’d like to propagate, cuttings or division are your best choices. It can also be sown from seed in the spring or fall.
Division should be done in the early spring as the plant’s just starting to develop new shoots. Find the center of a large plant and use a sharp shovel to neatly cut it in half. You can replant one segment in a new location and fill in around the original spot.
Cuttings can be taken at any time of the year but should be planted outdoors in the spring. Select healthy stems 6″-8″ in length and cut them with clean pruning shears. Place the cut end into a loamy potting mix and keep it moist until well-rooted.
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