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.

Pond depth: 0cm

Light: Full sun or part shade

Hardiness: Hardy

Height and spread: 0 - 10cm tall, 30 - 50cm wide

Planting and flowering months are shown in the calendar under the photos.

Bare root (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants sent without a pot or compost, ready to plant straight away. The most economical way to plant a group.

Potted (9 cm, 1 litre, 3 litre): plants growing in our recycled, peat-free compost made in Lincolnshire. Larger sizes give a faster display.

Pack of 3 (7 cm bare-root, 9 cm bare-root, 1 litre bare-root, 3 litre bare-root): three plants of the chosen size at a lower price per plant.

2x Pot & Compost: two plants supplied with pots and compost.

Sizes shown with a line through them are currently unavailable.

At Lincs Plants, we strive to provide fast and reliable shipping to ensure your plants arrive in perfect condition. We offer 1-3 day shipping through a variety of dispatch methods to suit your needs.

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Orders are processed within 1 - 3 business day after payment confirmation. Orders placed on weekends or public holidays will be processed the next business day.

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