Creeping Mazus arrived from the Himalayas and found itself perfectly suited to the damp, partly shaded spots that defeat most ground covers. At just 3 inches tall but spreading 6 to 12 inches wide, it forms a dense, persistent carpet of green foliage that handles foot traffic and can even be mowed — qualities that have made it a genuine lawn alternative in areas that stay consistently moist. The genus name comes from the Greek for teat, a reference to bumps inside the flower throat.

In spring it produces small lavender-blue flowers in clusters, a moment of genuine color before most of the garden has fully woken. It does best in full sun to partial shade with medium to wet, well-drained soil and consistent moisture — six plants per square yard is the right planting density for establishing a new cover. The spreading stems root at the nodes, so it fills gaps steadily and reliably. Worth noting: it is considered invasive in some northern states, so check local guidance before planting broadly.