Japanese Mazus
Mazus pumilus
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
3 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Asia, Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Mazus pumilus is a low-growing, perennial groundcover with dense, lush green foliage and small, tubular flowers that bloom in shades of purple or blue during the spring and summer months. This species is highly valued for its vigorous spreading habit, tolerance of poor soils, and ability to thrive in full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for groundcover in various garden settings.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in spring
- Water regularly until established, about 2 weeks
- Mist cuttings if propagating via softwood cuttings in summer
- Keep soil moist during active growth
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture in summer
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot, especially in wet soils
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune lightly after flowering
Don't
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
- Use heavy fertilization, which can promote leggy growth ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Japanese Mazus questions
What zones can Japanese Mazus grow in?
Japanese Mazus is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Japanese Mazus deer resistant?
Yes — Japanese Mazus is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Japanese Mazus bloom?
Japanese Mazus typically blooms in late spring to summer through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Japanese Mazus need full sun?
Japanese Mazus does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Mazus to compare
Creeping Mazus
Mazus reptans 'Purple'
Creeping Mazus
Mazus reptans
White Mazus
Mazus reptans 'Alba'
Mazus pumilus White
Mazus pumilus 'White'
White Creeping Mazus
Mazus japonicus 'Albiflorus'
Swamp Musk
Mazus radicans
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Japanese Mazus with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
