Mazus, sometimes called cup flower, is a low-growing perennial that makes an excellent groundcover thanks to its creeping stems that root at the nodes. It forms a dense mass of bright green foliage highlighted with purplish-blue or white, orchid-like flowers in late spring. It grows just 3 inches tall but packs a big punch when it spreads across the ground. This compact beauty, which is native to the Himalayas, is a moderate to fast grower that tolerates light foot traffic.
Mazus Overview
Where to Plant Mazus
Plant mazus in a location with full to partial sun and consistently moist, slightly acidic soil.
This herbaceous perennial makes a good low-maintenance lawn substitute because it withstands light foot traffic and rarely needs mowing. It can also be used to soften the space between stepping stones or rock gardens or around lofty perennials. Because it acts as a living mulch, preventing weeds by covering the soil with foliage, it also works well for pathways or to blanket the ground alongside a gravel or paved path. The resulting carpet of foliage will remain green throughout the growing season and is evergreen in warm winter climates.
Pair mazus with other easy-care low-growing groundcovers for a carpet of color and texture.
How and When to Plant Mazus
Plant mazus in the spring. Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the nursery pot and just as deep. Place the plant in the center of the hole and backfill with original soil. Tamp down the soil and water immediately to remove any air pockets. Continue watering the new plant until you see vigorous new growth.
Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. To create a lawn from mazus, plant six plants per square yard for good coverage.
Mazus Care Tips
Provided the plant gets sufficient water, the care for mazus is minimal.
Light
In regions with hot summers, plant mazus where it will receive some afternoon shade. In cool regions, it will thrive in full sun.
Soil and Water
Mazus tolerates a wide range of soils, from fast-draining sandy soil to slow-draining clay and even poor soil. However, it grows faster and flowers more freely in well-drained loam soil with an ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Because mazus tolerates wet soil, it prospers in rain gardens and other planting areas that are often too moist for other groundcovers. If the soil is not naturally moist and there is not sufficient precipitation, the plants will need at least 1 inch of water per week.
Temperature and Humidity
Mazus is winter-hardy and tolerates warm summer temperatures but it is not well-adapted to temperature extremes and high humidity.
Fertilizer
It is not necessary to fertilize mazus. The plant prospers even in poor soil.
Pruning
If a lawn-type planting of mazus begins to look unruly, set the mower blade to at least 3 inches high and mow it. The plants will quickly regrow after the trim.
There is no need to trim mazus back in the fall. Cut it back in the early spring, before the plant starts its regrowth.
Potting and Repotting Mazus
The most desirable effect is obtained by planting mazus in the landscape where it is has room to spread but it is also possible to grow it in containers.
If you grow the plant in a container, take into consideration that although mazus is winter-hardy down to Zone 5, it will need winter protection. In pots, its roots are exposed to frost and freeze-and-thaw cycles. While the pots should remain outdoors during the winter, you need to bury the pot in the ground or insulate the roots by placing the pot in a second, larger pot to create a planting silo.
Pests and Problems
Mazus is not affected by any serious pests or diseases. It is considered deer-resistant.
How to Propagate Mazus
Because mazus spreads fairly quickly, dividing it is the easiest way to propagate it. In the early spring, just as the new growth is starting, dig up an entire clump or a corner of an existing carpet, Using a garden knife or a spade, divide it into smaller sections. Replant the sections at the same depth as the original plant and keep them well watered until they show abundant new growth.
Mazus Companion Plants
Blue Star Creeper
Growing only up to 4 inches tall, blue star creeper (Isotoma fluviatilis) is ideal for rock or wall gardens. This handsome perennial develops tiny green leaves forming a solid mat that tolerates light foot traffic. In the spring, it is covered with pretty, pale blue star-shaped flowers. It grows in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Zone 5-9
Alpine Geranium
A semi-evergreen groundcover, alpine geranium (Erodium reichardii) has tiny, blue-green scalloped leaves. Dainty pink flowers grace the plants for an extended bloom between May and July. It grows in full sun or part shade and tolerates light foot traffic. Good soil drainage is key, especially in winter. Zone 6-9
Brass Buttons
This New Zealand native grows only ½ inch to 2 inches high but spreads and forms dense mats of foliage. The minuscule feathery leaves of brass buttons (Leptinella squalida) look like fern fronds. The tiny yellowish-green to gold flowers that appear in the spring resemble brass buttons and earned the plant its name. At the upper end of its zone range, it is an evergreen; everywhere else, it dies back and regrows in late spring. It should be planted in full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in hotter climates. Zone 4-10
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is mazus invasive?The plant fills areas of bare soil quickly by spreading via its creeping stems but it does not spread to the point of being invasive.
The plant fills areas of bare soil quickly by spreading via its creeping stems but it does not spread to the point of being invasive.
- Will mazus take over lawn?To get mazus established, the existing lawn has to be removed first. Mazus will only spread where it gets the chance to root in empty soil, so it is unlikely to take over an area filled with a grass cover.
To get mazus established, the existing lawn has to be removed first. Mazus will only spread where it gets the chance to root in empty soil, so it is unlikely to take over an area filled with a grass cover.