Ajuga

The "Bugleflower" is an excellent plant for rock gardens.

An easy plant to root , Ajuga will quickly cover the ground. Once it is planted it is a good idea to keep it within the desired boundaries.

Ajuga, commonly called Bugleflower, is a popular ground cover. It's used in rock gardens and as an under-planting for trees and shrubs. Ajuga will grow in shade, on flat areas and on slopes.

Ajuga grows about five inches high. It has a dense, compact form. Its dark green foliage is three to four inches long and about an inch wide. Some varieties turn bronze in the fall.

An excellent ground cover…

Few ground covers grow as easily and as quickly as ajuga. It spreads by runners, much like strawberries. For a quick cover, plant Ajuga eight to ten inches apart. It's easy to propagate. Even the smallest piece with roots will take hold.

Plant during the growing season.

Ajuga can be planted anytime during the growing season, but it does have a shallow root system and should be watered in dry weather.

Beware of crown rot.

Ajuga is subject to a serious disease, crown rot, which causes plants to wilt and die suddenly. This disease, is most common in hot, dry weather and occurs most often on heavy, poorly drained soils. To control crown rot, remove affected plants and the soil around their roots. Drench the area with terraclor. Use one tablespoon of terraclor in a gallon of water.

For more information on ajuga; contact your local County Extension Office.