Guide to Ajuga in the Garden

One of my favorite ground covers for year-round interest is the ajuga (A. reptans) plant, also known as carpet bugleweed. This creeping evergreen plant quickly fills in empty areas and smothers out weeds while adding exceptional foliage color and blooms. It's also good for erosion control. In addition to green foliage, there are also copper or purple-colored varieties as well as multi-colored types. For additional interest, you can try the variegated form of ajuga, A. generensis. This one is also considered less aggressive, as it grows more slowly. Flowers are normally bluish to purple with a white-flowering form available too.

Ajuga plants spread through runners. Since the plant is a member of the mint family, without proper care taken, ajuga can and will get out of control. In fact, many people dislike it for this reason. However, I find the plant to be perfect for my needs. Its quick growth and mat-forming trait provided instant coverage in my newly planted bed with only a few plants. Planted in strategic locations, they eventually spread throughout the bed, meeting one another. Weeds-not a problem here.

One good way to keep this jewel in bounds is by enclosing beds and borders with edging. I've also found that planting it in an area receiving lots of sun seems to slow its spreading nature, making it much easier to control. This is because ajuga prefers to grow in light to full shade, though it can thrive in sunny locations-it just doesn't become as erratic in my experience and the blooms are much nicer. The plant also likes fairly moist soil but it is remarkably adaptable and will tolerate drought.

Once established, ajuga requires very little care. It is self-seeding so if you don't want any unexpected pop-ups (though I've not experienced this myself), deadheading may be in order. Removing some of the runners periodically can also help keep this ground cover in line. They're also easy to redirect. Every time one of the runners finds its way into my lawn, I simply lift it up and point it in another direction-my garden bed. Alternatively, if you have an area that needs additional coverage, simply replant these runners where you need them. Division is oftentimes necessary every few years to prevent overcrowding and crown rot. Normally, this is done in spring but I've had luck dividing and planting them any time.

Sources: personal experience