NAME: Mazus reptans AKA: Creeping mazus TYPE: Herbaceous perennial ground cover FAMILY: Scrophulariaceae, or — thank heavens for common names — figwort family; relatives include snapdragons, foxglove, linaria, penstemon, torenia, verbascum, veronica. VITAL STATS: Tubular flowers and lanceshaped toothed leaves grow about 2 inches tall; plants root as they creep along the ground; species has purplishblue flowers with spotted lower lips — Albus is a white cultivar. NATIVE LAND: Himalayas BLOSSOM TIME: Mid-spring to early summer BEST FEATURES: Showy flowers and bright green foliage grow into a lush good-looking carpet tough enough to withstand light foot traffic. LIKES: Moist, even boggy soil; full sun to full shade; lots of water especially if it’s in a sunny spot. SWORN ENEMIES: Basically pest-free although slugs may take a nibble — what don’t they snack on? PLANT PARTNERS: Perfect ground-hugger for rock gardens, along ponds and streams, in woodland gardens or in the crevices of flagstone paths and terraces; a lovely lawn substitute in moist, shady sites. TLC: Plant in early spring, spacing about 12 inches apart; rejuvenate by dividing in spring every three or four years. HARDINESS ZONE: 5 to 8