The Colorful Ground Cover That's The Perfect Grass Alternative For Your Small Yard

A meticulously manicured green lawn may look like suburban perfection, but it can negatively impact the environment by replacing native habitats for pollinators and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Given the harm that traditional grass can cause, you may be wondering what the best grass alternative is for your lawn. Creeping mazus (Mazus mequilii)is the ideal option, particularly if you have a small yard prone to foot traffic. This fast-growing plant only reaches around three inches in height and puts on a show of small purple flowers in the late spring and summer.

Creeping mazus is hardy enough to stand up to your kid and pet shenanigans and can be mowed if you prefer a more uniform look. Because it can tolerate partial shade, the speckled purple ground cover can thrive under trees and in rocky areas where a traditional lawn can leave patchy spots. Once established, creeping mazus helps prevent soil erosion and will attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard. One caveat to be aware of is that it's not native to the U.S. and is considered an invasive species in some northern states.

Creeping mazus is hardy in zones five through eight and tolerates a range of soil conditions, including medium to wet. However, if your soil doesn't drain well, you'll need to amend it, since it won't thrive with continuously soggy roots. You can improve your soil's drainage capabilities by mixing in compost or other organic material. Plan on six plants per square yard for full coverage. Although mazus will grow well in partial shade, you'll get the most blooms by planting in full sun.

You'll need to regularly water your new creeping mazus plants until they have a well-developed root system. Mulching around the plants will help them retain water. Once they start growing, they'll naturally crowd out weeds. If you're worried about it spreading outside of a specific area, trim back the edges occasionally to keep it in check. Other than this, your mature mazus plants will need very little care or maintenance. They're resistant to diseases and pests, meaning you can avoid using a popular pesticide in your garden, which could be a dangerous mistake. So if you're looking to transition your yard into a pollinator sanctuary and reduce your environmental impact while freeing up your weekends from lawn care, consider planting creeping mazus as a colorful grass alternative.