Botanical Name: Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ Common Name: White 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: Clean White 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 ‘Alba’

Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ is a low-growing, mat-forming groundcover prized for its clean white flowers accented with soft yellow centers. In late spring, the blooms appear in generous numbers, creating a bright, crisp layer of color that reads especially well against its rich green foliage. The white flowers give this selection a lighter, more refined presence than blue-flowering forms, making it an excellent choice where subtle contrast and a polished look are desired.

The plant spreads by creeping stems that root as they grow, gradually forming a dense, uniform carpet. Its extremely low profile allows it to tuck neatly into tight spaces where taller or looser groundcovers would feel intrusive. Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ is particularly well suited for edging, between stepping stones, and along pathways, where its tidy habit keeps the planting intentional and controlled. It tolerates light, occasional foot traffic but performs best where walking is minimal and more visual than functional.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ has been consistently reliable, quick to establish, and easy to manage. It fills in evenly without becoming aggressive or spreading beyond its intended space, and it holds its dense, neat appearance throughout the growing season. While it prefers consistently moist soil during establishment, it adapts well once rooted in and requires very little ongoing maintenance.

We especially like Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ in pathways and stepping-stone areas, where the white flowers brighten hard surfaces and soften transitions without interfering with foot traffic. The low, ground-hugging growth habit keeps walkways clear, while the spring bloom adds just enough seasonal interest to elevate simple landscape elements into something more finished and refined.

Mazus reptans 'Alba' vs. Other Groundcovers

Compared first to Creeping Mazus ‘Blue’, Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ delivers the same ultra-low, tight, ground-hugging habit but with a softer, cleaner look thanks to its pure white flowers. Where blue selections create contrast and visual pop, ‘Alba’ reads lighter and calmer, making it especially effective in pathways, between stepping stones, and in small spaces where a neutral palette feels more intentional. Unlike Creeping Phlox, which grows taller and can appear loose or billowy, Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ stays dense and compact, maintaining a tidy footprint right at ground level.

When compared to Blue Star Creeper, Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ offers larger, more noticeable blooms and a quicker, more reliable fill-in, though it does prefer slightly more consistent moisture. For gardeners seeking a fast-establishing, low-profile flowering groundcover that stays controlled, refined, and non-aggressive, Mazus reptans ‘Alba’ is an excellent choice—especially where subtle elegance matters more than bold color.