Classic
Perennials at Gorge Top Gardens: Ajuga
This genus from the Old World is, in
our opinion, one of the best ground covers available for shady areas. Ajuga grows a
rosette of leaves and spreads by stolons (running stems). The leaves can be shiny green or
bronzed green and cultivars such as 'Burgundy Glow' are mottled cream pink or burgundy.
Ajugas are mainly grown for their striking foliage but offer up purple flower spikes in
spring. A very tough plant with a long life in the garden. The runners will root
wherever they touch soil and will quickly turn into such a thick mat that weeds don't have
a chance. Ajugas grow best in a moisture retentive soil that has been enriched with
plenty of organic matter. Pruning or trimming the leaves is not suggested.
Zones: 4 - 9
Propagation: stem nodes can be lifted and rooted easily
Problems: no specific pests or disease
Cutting: not normally grown for a cut flower
Notes: feed with a combination of blood and bone meal as soon as flowers
fade.
(uh-joo'
guh)
