AJUGA – The best groundcover for a shady spot !
Description
Ajuga repens is an herbaceous perennial groundcover related to mint native to Europe and North Africa. There are many species and cultivars all with purple flowers on small spikes.
All tend to form compact dense mats. It will spread readily and take over an area quickly if not kept in check.
Bees love Ajuga !
Environment
This groundcover prefers shade to partial shade in moist soil. Under trees and shrubs or wherever grass won’t grow is the perfect spot.
Attracts bumblebees, hummingbirds and songbirds.
Royal purple indeed…
Flowers
Showy blue-violet flowers form in early spring and continue through summer. Flowers form on 6” spikes which is replaced by 4 oval shaped seed pods later in the season.
Pretty !
Plant Problems
Good News !
No major pests or diseases affect bugleweed. The biggest liability is root rot caused by keeping the soil too wet !
Care
Easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soil in full shade to part shade. Will tolerate full sun.
An adaptable plant that is tolerant of drought, heat, humidity and poor soil. It does not like wet soil.
Keep in mind it can aggressively take over a garden or a planter if not kept in check.
Essential oils used by herbalists
Ethnobotany
Ajuga was a common choice, externally applied, to stop bleeding. Herbalists call it an astringent, styptic herb.
The plant was collected, dried and included it in wound-relieving salves and oils.
Poisonous
Ajuga is generally considered non-toxic.
Happy news
Cultivars
Available in a multitude of leaf shades and variations
‘Artic Fox' Striking green leaves, dark purple flowers
'Atropurpurea' Glossy, bronze-purple leaves
'Black Scallop' Dark maroon leaves, fragrant, compact
'Bronze Beauty' 2-4" tall, dark foliage
'Burgundy Glow' Tricolored foliage, blue flowers. Good resistance to phytophthora
'Catlins Giant' Bronze-green foliage, blue flowers on 8" spikes.
'Chocolate Chip' Chocolate brown leaves
'Dixie Chip' Variegated tri-colored foliage
'Mahogany' Leaves turn deep mahogany
'Pink Lightning' Lovely pink flowers
'Purple Brocade' Thick purplish leaves with a brocaded texture
'Purple Torch' Lavender torch-like flower spikes
'Silver Beauty' Gray-green leaves, creamy white margins
'Toffee Chip' Variegated foliage and dwarf size
'Variegata' Almost white
Black scallop
Bronze beauty
PINK LIGHTNING!
For a stunningly easy groundcover - plant some Ajuga!
Call us - we know how!
PLANT SPECIALISTS
GREENING NEW YORK FOR OVER 53 YEARS !
Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBA
All photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK
