How to grow Mazus
Not especially well known in the UK although popular in the USA, mazus is a creeping, mat-forming perennial from wet habitats throughout Asia and Australasia. There are around 30 species, though Mazus reptans is the only one widely cultivated for garden use. From marshy regions in the Himalayas, this fast-growing evergreen forms dense, ground-hugging carpets of bright green foliage with masses of beautiful little purple-blue flowers in summer. ‘Albus’ is a white flowered form.
Mazus usually roots wherever the nodes of the stems touch the ground, hence its spreading nature. In M. reptans, this occurs at a manageable rate welcomed by most gardeners, however in other species, such as M. pumilus and M. miquelii, the rate is more vigorous, leading to their being labelled invasive species in some countries.
Zantedeschia is a genus of flowering plants from the family Araceae and is native to southern Africa. With a rich history dating back to the Ancient Romans, these deciduous or semi-evergreen perennials have been used as a symbol of celebration. Zantedeschia was Named after Professor Giovanni Zantedeschia, an Italian botanist.
There are two main forms of Zantedeschia: hardy and tender. Hardy forms of the plant can be grown outdoors, enjoy moist soil and full sun or partially shaded conditions - these are known as Arum lilies. Tender forms of Zantedeschia prefer being grown in containers or pots and should be brought inside over the winter - these are known as Calla lilies.
With tuberous flora in all colours from whites, yellows and oranges to deep reds and purples, Zantedeschias are not to be overlooked in any garden, as long as they have sufficient sunlight to grow in.
Ready to learn more about growing Zantedeschia? Read on for all there is to know...
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Mazus
Position - A sunny, sheltered site is ideal; aiming for an open spot where there will be no overshadowing from neighbouring plants.
Partial shade will be tolerated, though is likely to mean a slower growth rate and fewer flowers.
Soil - Will grow in almost any soil, though the ideal is moderately fertile, consistently moist, and well-draining. While high moisture levels are tolerated, permanent waterlogging can cause root rot and is best avoided.
Flowering Period - Summer
Hardiness - Hardy. Usually rated H5 (-10 to -15°C)
For best results, plant in autumn or spring. An autumn planting can be done by those gardening in mild conditions (and broadly speaking, this is the southern half of the UK). For those liable to cold winters, it is best to wait until spring (generally the northern half of the UK). Planting can also be carried out in summer, though be prepared to water regularly.
Mazus can be used as ground cover in rock gardens or around ponds and streams. It stands up to foot traffic and mowing well, so can be used as a lawn alternative where the soil is too damp for grass. We also love seeing it used to fill cracks in paving and walls, or spill over the edge of hanging baskets and containers.
How to plant Mazus
For planting in the ground, dig the soil area removing any large stones and weeds and breaking up any lumps. Now is the time to incorporate well-rotted organic matter if you have it, such as leaf mould, garden compost, or manure.
Rake level and firm with your heels. Rake level again.
Water plants well and allow to drain before planting.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root-ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surface of the soil. Too low and the plant may rot, too high and the roots can dry out.
Backfill with soil and firm in gently with your foot.
Soak well with water.
If you’re planting multiples, aim for a spacing of 20-30 centimetres.
For planting into paving cracks or a wall, simply excavate as large a cavity as you can, loosely fill with a sandy soil or compost mix, and push the small plant in. Compress with your fingers so that it holds tight, and thoroughly wet the soil/ compost with a gentle spray of water. When planting several, space 20-30 centimetres apart.
For planting in a container, choose a shallow pot with plenty of drainage holes in the bottom.
If you are using a large or heavy pot, it can be a good idea to fill and plant it in situ to save yourself the trouble of moving once full.
Use a good quality loam-based potting compost with plenty of horticultural grit mixed in, and, if not already present (check the description on the bag) some slow-release fertiliser granules.
Start by partially filling the pot with compost; enough so that when placed on it the upper surface of the root ball is about 3cm lower than the top of the pot.
Infill all the space around the root ball with compost, firming down with your fingers then adding a little more so the plant is held tight.
Pick up the pot (if you can!) and lightly tap on the potting bench or ground a few times to help further settle the compost around the plant.
Soak well with water.
A mulch with horticultural grit will look attractive and help to prevent a ‘cap’ or crust forming on the top of the compost (something container plants can suffer due to the artificial nature of their watering). It also deters blackbirds from tossing the compost about.
How to care for Mazus
Pruning and Deadheading
No pruning is required, though occasional mowing keeps mazus looking neat and tidy when grown as a lawn substitute.
Plants may become tired and congested after a few years. If this is the case, they can be rejuvenated with division (see propagation section below).
Watering
Mazus should be watered regularly until established, after which it tends to be self-sufficient in all but prolonged periods of hot, dry weather. Look out for browning or wilting leaves as your cue to step in.
Container-grown mazus has less access to water and requires ongoing attention. Water regularly during each growing season, allowing the top few centimetres of compost to dry out between soakings. From mid-autumn, the British climate tends to take over watering needs, though do remember to step in in the event of an unseasonably dry spell.
Feeding
Mazus is not an especially hungry plant and shouldn’t require additional feeding when grown in healthy, fertile soil.
If you garden on poor soil or feel your mazus could do with a boost, a spring dose of balanced feed such as blood, fish, and bone is a good idea.
Container-grown plants are different as they rely solely on the gardener for nutrition. Get off to a flying start by making sure you use a good quality compost with slow-release granules mixed in. These generally provide nutrients for around 6 to 8 weeks, after which you’ll need to apply a balanced liquid feed once a month until the end of the growing season.
Cold Protection
Mazus is hardy enough to withstand winter throughout most of the UK without the need for additional protection.
Like all plants, mazus grown in a container can be more susceptible to cold damage. If you experience harsh winters, it can be worth wrapping the pot in an insulating layer of hessian, fleece, or bubblewrap. As well as protecting the roots, this helps prevent frost damage to the container itself.
Pests and Diseases
Mazus is generally problem-free, however slugs and snails can be a nuisance – particularly on young, fresh growth. Encouraging natural predators into your garden, such as birds, frogs, toads, and hedgehogs, makes a big difference. Torchlight searches after dark (when slugs and snails are at their most active) are also effective, allowing you to collect the offending molluscs in a bucket and dispose of as you see fit. Relocating to a nearby woods or bagging up and putting in your freezer before popping them in the bin are said to be the most humane approaches.
How to propagate Mazus
By far the easiest way to propagate mazus is to simply tear off a portion of an established plant:
1. In spring once growth has resumed, dig up a rooted section and sever from the parent plant.
2. Replant where desired, or pot up to grow on and use at a later date.
* Many plants carry Plant Breeders Rights and cannot be propagated for commercial purposes.
Common Mazus Questions
My mazus has lost some of its leaves, what’s wrong?
Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Mazus is evergreen in its natural habitat, though can become semi-evergreen in colder climates such as in the UK. Expect it to leaf up again in spring.
How fast does creeping mazus grow?
Mazus has a quick growth rate and can be expected to reach full size within a year or two.
