This low-maintenance flowering groundcover comes in a wide variety of foliage colors and forms a thick carpet.
As spring transitions into summer.
ajuga is covered in little spikes of bright blue, purple, pink, or white blossoms.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Ajuga is a vigorous grower whose rosettes send out plenty of wandering stolons.
The common name, carpetweed, however, is misleading.
BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Where to Plant Ajuga
Ajuga is hardy inUSDA Zones 310.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Depending on the variety, the light requirements range from sun to different degrees of shade.
All types of ajuga need well-drained soil.
Avoid garden beds where it could outcompete other, less aggressive plant species and get out of hand.
Credit: Justin Hancock
To contain its spread, plant it in containers or near hardscapes, such as walkways or driveways.
Keep in mind that ajuga tolerates only light foot traffic and should not be used as areplacement for turf.
How and When to Plant Ajuga
Plant ajuga in early spring.
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Dig a hole that has twice the diameter of the nursery pot and the same depth.
Place the plant in the hole and backfill with original soil.
Tamp it down and water it immediately to remove air pockets.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Ajuga Care Tips
Ajuga is a very low-maintenance plant.
Light
The light conditions of ajuga are variety-specific and depend especially on the color of the foliage.
Though many types grow better in shade, in general, the plant handles locations from sunny to shady.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Overall, the color of the foliage is at its best with half a day offull sun.
Some of the miniature varieties makegreat additions to trough gardensand containers.
Excess moisture and poor drainage should be avoided because they lead to root rot.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Fertilizer
Ajuga plants are light feeders, and fertilization is not necessary.
The flowers don’t need anydeadheading.
This fungal diseases causes sudden wilting and yellowing, and the stems turn black and rot.
Credit: Dency Kane
Like many garden plants, ajuga attractsaphids.
Spraying the plants with a strong stream of water is usually sufficient to get rid of them.
Cut them off with pruners.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
Select those with the most growth nodes and discard weak ones.
Replant the stolons in a new location at the same depth as the original plant.
Types of Ajuga
Bugleweed
Ajuga reptansis the most commonly found ajuga species.
Credit:BHG / Evgeniya Vlasova
It forms a low-growing mat 4 inches tall with flower spikes up to 9 inches tall.
Many forms with variegated foliage are available.
It has shiny, dark purple leaves and blue flowers in the spring.
Credit:BHG /Evgeniya Vlasova
It is a striking choice for containers.
In spring, blue flowers rise above the colorful foliage.
It forms a dense mat 2 to 3 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide.
It’s decorated with blue flowers in spring.
It bears small spikes of blue flowers in spring and grows 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide.
It grows 5 to 14 inches high and, unlike its popular counterpart, does not spread by runners.
Most forms have blue blooms, but white and pink types are also available.
There are many selections with striking foliage patterns.
The low clumps of long-stemmed evergreen or semi-evergreen lobed foliage make coralbells fine groundcover plants.
The tangled branch structure intrigues in winter landscapes.
Easy to care for, fothergilla requires no pruning.
The leathery leaves have lighter undersides and turn shades of red, orange, and bright yellow in fall.
This classic cottage garden staple grows best in partial to full shade in moist, well-drained soil.
Ajuga is known to give off a scent that repels rabbits and deer andto a lesser extentsquirrels and chipmunks.
It attracts bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
“Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
