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Description
Mazus Radicans, also known as creeping mazus or creeping mint, is a low-growing perennial plant that belongs to the family Mazaceae. This plant is native to China and Japan, and it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Mazus Radicans is characterized by its stunning purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers are small, measuring about 1 inch in diameter, and they form in clusters at the top of the stems.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Mazaceae |
| Genus | Mazus |
Appearance
Mazus Radicans is a small plant that can grow up to 3 inches in height and spread to about 12 inches wide. It has small, round leaves that are a bright green color and grow in opposite pairs on the stem. The leaves are about 1 inch in size and have a slightly rough texture. The flowers of Mazus Radicans are the most attractive feature of the plant. They are trumpet-shaped and come in shades of lilac, blue, and purple. Each flower has five petals and a yellow center, and they bloom profusely in late spring and early summer.
Care Guide
Mazus Radicans is an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal maintenance. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Mazus Radicans prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Mazus Radicans grows best in rich, well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, add some compost or sand to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Mazus Radicans prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but it may need some shade in hot, sunny areas.- Hardiness Zones: Mazus Radicans is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mazus Radicans is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant. However, it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat the leaves and flowers of Mazus Radicans. Use slug bait or copper tape to keep them away.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. Treat with a fungicide spray.- Root rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause the roots of Mazus Radicans to rot. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and water the plant only when the soil is dry.
Habitat
Mazus Radicans is native to China and Japan, where it grows in damp meadows and along riverbanks. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Mazus Radicans is commonly used as a groundcover in rock gardens, borders, and other landscaping applications.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Mazus Radicans be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Mazus Radicans can be grown in containers, provided that the soil is well-draining and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize Mazus Radicans?
A: Fertilize Mazus Radicans once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Mazus Radicans a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Mazus Radicans is a great plant for attracting bees and other pollinators to your garden.
Q: How often should I water Mazus Radicans?
A: Water Mazus Radicans regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause the roots to rot.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Mazus Radicans:- Mazus Reptans- Mazus Pumilus- Mazus Surculosus- Mazus Miquelii- Mazus Stoloniferus
References
– “Mazus Radicans.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b408.- “Mazus Radicans.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/213924/mazus-radicans/details.- “Mazus Radicans.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/mazus-radicans.
