Botanical Name: Mazus reptans Common Name: Creeping Mazus Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 5–8) Size: 2–4" Tall × 12–24" Spread Growth Habit: Low, Spreading, Mat-Forming Groundcover Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade Soil: Moist, Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Poor Soils Water Needs: Moderate; Prefers Consistent Moisture Bloom Season: Late Spring through Early Summer Fertilizer: Minimal; Not Heavy-Feeding Features: Soft Blue-Violet Flowers with Yellow Throats, Dense Green Foliage, Fast Coverage Uses: Groundcover, Pathway Filler, Rock Gardens, Borders, Between Stepping Stones

Patent: ❌ Not Patented Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Creeping Mazus Plant Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Mazus reptans

Mazus reptans is a low-growing, mat-forming groundcover valued for its ability to create a dense, living carpet topped with masses of blue-violet flowers in late spring. Each bloom features a bright yellow throat that adds contrast and makes the flowers surprisingly visible, even when viewed from above at ground level. When in full bloom, the plant reads as a continuous sheet of color rather than scattered flowers, giving it a polished, intentional look in the landscape.

The plant spreads by creeping, rooting stems that move outward steadily, knitting together into a tight mat of soft green foliage. This growth habit allows Mazus reptans to fill gaps quickly without running aggressively into surrounding plantings. Its extremely low profile—often just a couple inches tall in bloom—makes it especially useful in narrow spaces, between stepping stones, along edges, or anywhere taller groundcovers would feel bulky or unkempt. While it can tolerate light, occasional foot traffic, it performs best where walking is minimal and more about visual softness than heavy use.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Creeping Mazus has proven to be both adaptable and easy to manage, establishing quickly without showing invasive tendencies. It performs best in consistently moist soil, particularly during establishment, but once rooted in, it handles short dry spells far better than most gardeners expect. Unlike some groundcovers that thin out or become patchy over time, Mazus maintains good density season after season when given basic care.

We especially value it as a pathway and stepping-stone filler. It softens hard edges, reduces visual heat from stone or concrete, and delivers a reliable flush of flowers each spring without requiring constant maintenance. Just as importantly, it stays low and tidy, never creeping up onto walking surfaces or competing aggressively with nearby plants. For gardeners looking for a refined, flowering groundcover that fills in cleanly and stays where it’s planted, Mazus reptans continues to be one of our most dependable performers.

Mazus Reptans vs. Other Groundcovers

Mazus Reptans has the same ultra-low, tight growth habit as White Creeping Mazus, but offers stronger color impact, using cool blue flowers instead of soft white to create more contrast in pathways and small spaces. Unlike Creeping Phlox, which grows taller and can feel loose or billowy, Mazus stays dense and ground-hugging, making it far better suited for stepping stones, edging, and confined areas.

When compared to Blue Star Creeper, Mazus produces larger, more noticeable blooms and establishes a bit faster, though it does appreciate more consistent moisture. For gardeners wanting a fast-filling, low-profile flowering groundcover that stays controlled rather than aggressive, Mazus reptans stands out as a superior choice.