Description
Mazus reptans, known as creeping mazus or Chinese marshflower, is a low, creeping plant that forms a mat of small, bright green, toothed leaves. In late spring and early summer it is dotted with small lilac to purple-blue flowers marked with yellow and white.
Creeping mazus at a glance
| Botanical name |
Mazus reptans |
| Common name |
Creeping mazus, Chinese marshflower |
| Plant type |
Low, creeping, semi-evergreen perennial |
| Height and spread |
About 5–10 cm tall, up to 50 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Small, lilac to purple-blue, marked yellow and white, May and June |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Moist soil; any type and pH |
| Pond depth |
None – moist soil at the pond edge |
| Hardiness |
RHS H5 – hardy in a cold winter (-15 to -10°C) |
| Native to |
Himalaya and China (not UK native) |
Is creeping mazus a pond plant?
Not really. The RHS treats it as ground cover for rock gardens, patios and containers. One nursery says it tolerates very shallow water, but it is safest in moist soil at the pond edge or in a bog garden, not under water.
Where to plant it
- Moist ground at the edge of a pond
- Between paving stones and on rockeries
- The front of damp borders and pots
How to plant and care for it
Plant in spring in moist soil. It spreads to form a mat. Watch for slugs and snails.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
