Most people grow lamium from a few nursery plants. Dense foliage will choke out weeds. Not particularly tolerant of foot traffic. Or did for me anyway I should add it can take a lot of abuse and it does look nice after flowering but I wish it had stayed the nice colors and not spread so fast. Ajuga spread by underground runners called stolons. The glossy foliage comes in shades of purple, blue, copper, red and white. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) is a versatile type of ground covering perennial plant that thrives just as well in the sun as it does in partial shade. Be warned that you must not plant this next to a lawn as grass cannot compete with this plant for and will be quickly overrun, leaving you with an Ajuga lawn instead of a grass lawn. Ajuga reptans is a ground covering ajuga. Dividing ajuga’s is very simple 1. A humus rich, moist soil is best, good air circulation is a must, and don't let the roots stand in water. The nodes of the stolons are also very short, which creates very dense colonies ideal for preventing weeds from growing up through the plants. However, when planting it in clay soils do be careful that the clay is not too heavy as the plant tends to rot under heavy clay conditions. It presents gardeners with a tough decision in plant selection. Ajuga plants need plenty of water if you want them to flower, even when growing in the shade. My SIL had some in a garden -still does - but it spread to the lawn. Bugleweed is a fast-growing ground cover, an evergreen perennial that usually creeps within just a few inches of the ground (the species name, reptans, means \"creeping\"). Thinning will preventing Ajugas from becoming overcrowded. Whorls of tiny, blue-violet flowers appear in mid to late spring on spikes rising above the foliage to 10\". It does not spread by runners. Ajuga plants generally prefer a soil dominated by clay or sand. Later in the season, Ajuga plants send up delightful spikes of blue, purple or pink flowers, adding summertime beauty to the landscape. This plant needs to be protected from sunlight as it grows stunted and unhealthy if planted out in strong sun. However here they don’t seem to self seed. This is the time to lift and divide them in order to obtain additional ajuga plants. - Spreads pretty quickly. Bunting - NS, Zone "5b" Larae My Weather The leaves of the ajuga hold close together, which keeps them nice and short. The flower spikes will poke up about 6-9 inches off the ground. Propagation of ajuga by division is an operation for early spring or fall. If you intend to plant Chocolate Ajuga in mass as a groundcover, it might be necessary to do some site preparation. Plant in potting soil and keep evenly moist. That’s the selection you want. In these types of shaded environment the plant will grow well and spread quickly. One way to start propagating ajuga plants is by planting seeds. More results related to 'Ajuga' Ajuga reptans bronze form ... May be used to cover small areas but not recommended as a large area groundcover: bronze or green-leaved selections of Ajuga … To prevent this, simply make sure to site your plants accordingly. The biggest concern is to make sure the plant doesn't get too wet because crown rot is a common problem. ... Ajuga plants are light feeders that require little if any fertilizer. Keep Ajuga out of small gardens because it soon takes over. The leaves do not like to be squashed by walkers' foot traffic. When it comes to producing multiple plants in a short period of time division of ajuga reptans is the fastest method. Ajuga does best in well-drained, moist soil but handles drought and dry soils well. Ajuga will attempt to take over the entire territory in its vicinity. This plant needs to be protected from sunlightas it grows stunted and unhealthy if planted out in strong sun. This robust and hardy ajuga looks great in the landscape, beds and containers ... Fast growing plants spread by underground stems to create a great groundcover. Other than this Ajuga require little care. Ajuga requires between three to four weeks to germinate. As the mulch decomposes it will add vital nutrients to the soil that your plants will appreciate. However, be aware that the flowers can grow to about one foot in height in larger varieties. Spread 1 to 2 inches of mulch around new plants to prevent weeds until the plants fill in the empty spaces. One thing to keep in mind is that you will probably need to thin your Ajuga plants from time to time. Ajuga plant propagation is so easy that the plants easily become invasive, rambling across the lawn and into places in the garden reserved for other plants. Ajuga species can grow in either full sunlight or in the shade. Add these ground cover plants and flowers to your garden to fix your yard's trouble spots, whether it's grass that won't grow, erosion problems, or boring beds. Fast-spreading perennials will quickly fill in an area, sometimes even choking out surrounding plants. All about Ajuga: An impressive groundcover, Ajuga is masterful at filling in spaces where other plants struggle to grow – even under Black Walnut trees. The “Ajuga Chocolate Chip” is among the most popular varieties. Although it has pretty flowers and is available in several different cultivars that work well in landscaping, it can also make quite a nuisance of itself through rampant spread. Ajuga should be set about eighteen inches apart as the plants will grow from twenty four to forty eight inches wide with beautiful bronze, green or multi-coloured leaves. ‘This method works well with groundcovers and other plants that spread quickly, such as creeping thyme, mints, lamb's ears, ajuga, vinca, mums, asters, and daisies.’ More example sentences ‘Another method of monitoring watering needs is to use a biological indicator plant such as impatiens, ajuga, or coleus.’ Print this Plant. Stems, with long grayish hairs, have many roundish, 1½ to 4-inch long leaves. Is Ajuga invasive? This helps control erosion on … Digging and removing the plants is … Firstly dig up an existing clump … Thinning will preventing Ajugas from becoming overcrowded. This is the time to lift and divide them in order to obtain additional ajuga plants. The leaves are either grey-green or cream, mottled bronze and red, reddish purple or a metallic bronze. There are a number of fast-spreading perennial groundcovers that, if not kept in check, will literally take over an area. If the plants are put in at the recommended distance apart they will interlock and form a nice carpet groundcover. Plants with the scientific name Ajuga reptans will be the fastest. Supposedly also may spread by seeds and can reportedly show up far away in garden beds and lawns. Ajuga flowers in spring and the flowers have an attractive blue color. They also bloom occasionally all through the warmer months. This member of the mint family spreads fast and can become invasive. It is a fast grower and is best used as a living mulch around larger trees and shrubs. Ajuga reptans, commonly called bugleweed, is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features shiny, dark green leaves. Ajuga plants generally grow and even spread on their own so there is no much care you need to provide to make them thrive. Do not push the mulch directly against plant stems. How tall does Ajuga get? A: Depending on the variety you have, ajuga can be a fast spreader. It is best to do every two or three years. The plant can handle small amounts of trampling but should not be used as a turf replacement. Pachysandra is a beautiful ground cover but it does grow very slowly. it spreads very fast. Just plant Ajuga seeds, care for the plants for a few weeks until they are established, and they will maintain themselves. Ajuga reptans, commonly called bugleweed, is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features shiny, dark green leaves. If planted close to turf, Ajuga will spread into your lawn which becomes difficult to eradicate. Ajuga is best propagated in spring but can be propagated by division any time during the growing season. Keep in mind that although ajuga is considered a groundcover, it doesn't do well with foot traffic. Ajuga Reptans Burgundy Glow does not spread as rapidly as other ajuga, making it a safer bet for use as edging and near flower beds. Propagation of ajuga by division is an operation for early spring or fall. In this case it actually solved a problem which they had which was growing lawn in that particular. Once it is established, the rosettes of foliage form mats on the ground that keep weeds to a minimum. It competes effectively between tree roots and drier conditions while spreading quickly by way of runners. Because ajuga naturalizes easily, spreading by stolons, or horizontal stems that creep along the ground, you'll want to think about where you plant it. The year after, you'll be tearing out wads of the ground cover (if not your hair) as you try to keep it in check. However, although it is an aggressive spreader, it is also fairly easily contained as it grows by spreading over the ground. Vinca, ajuga, creeping bellflower, creeping St. John's wort and lamb's ears are practically unstoppable once established. Go to a nursery and ask the staff which of their varieties gets tangled up with its neighbors most rapidly. Ajuga plants generally grow and even spread on their own so there is no much care you need to provide to make them thrive. The plants will grow to around three to four inches high. First, you'll need to eliminate any weeds or grasses that are growing in the planting area. These runners root the plant in nearby soil and form clumps. ... How to Grow Ajuga. While you try to encourage it to fill in as quickly as possible, keep in mind that pachysandra prefers a moist, rich, slightly acid soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal) supplemented with plenty of organic matter. Growing ajuga is easier than getting rid of it, so take its rapid growth into account before you decide on ajuga plant propagation. - Some sources list Ajuga as being mildly invasive. Cultivars of this species feature leaves with more interesting and varied foliage color. If you plant Ajuga plants in your garden, you will have to be aware of the growth rate and control it or watch your garden is not eventually overrun by it.

Ajuga can be planted in full sun, half sun and full shade locations and also tolerates a wide range of soils, although it can be susceptible to root rot in very wet sites. Genus Ajuga are mostly spreading, rhizomatous perennials with attractive evergreen foliage, rarely annuals, with whorled two-lipped flowers forming short spikes Details A. reptans is a spreading stoloniferous perennial to 15cm in height, forming a wide mat of dark green obovate leaves, with erect spikes of dark blue flowers in late spring and early summer It tolerates more sun than other Ajuga species. Ajuga won’t flower well in full shade. Ajuga grows rapidly and can spread quickly if that is what you are looking for. Prick out the individual plants and place in larger containers. This means it grows an average of about an inch per month. It’s a simple process. This fast sprawling plant provides dense ground cover in any part of your garden. Ajuga pyramidalis grows upright to about 3 to 4 inches tall; with Ajuga reptans reaching around 9 inches tall. The rate of growth depends on a wide variety of conditions, however, including cultural ones. But there are a few situations i… Cons: - Not native to Southeastern U.S. Like Sweet Woodruff, Ajuga reptans is native to Europe. Burgundy Glow is a big favorite because of the great color it brings to shady spots--foliage is a collage of greens, pinks and creams. All rights reserved. I would expect a 14cm potted plant like the size we sell, to spread one square in one year. If planted with small plants it may smother them. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a perennial groundcover suitable for shady areas. I have 'chocolate chip' and it does spread quite a bit which is what I wanted but there are no seedlings popping up. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); © 2007 - 2020 easyshadegardening.com. Ajuga's best practical use in the landscape is to create ground cover in areas where grass will not grow. After that it … There is no need for alarm as this plant does not spread rapidly; rather it will spread at a slow and steady rate. Runners are easily removed if it gets beyond its bounds. Ajuga plants do best in moist, fertile soil. In early spring, the plants put up spikes of blue flowers. I could see Ajuga perhaps working in combination with Sweet Woodruff to cover large patches of shady ground that would not need much / any mowing or other maintenance. How big does Ajuga get? - Also like Sweet Woodruff, Ajuga may technically be evergreen, but that doesn't mean it looks beautiful all year round. And in addition to the traditional green foliage, this ground cover can also provide the landscape with stunning copper or purple-colored foliage too, making it great for adding year-round interest. Just cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost and keep the soil moist. The leaves do not like to be squashed by walkers' foot traffic. This is especially important as there are actually companies that claim that the Ajuga seeds that they sell grow into beds that can be walked on. Upright Bugleweed (Ajuga pyramidalis): This is an erect plant, 2 to 10 inches high. One thing to keep in mind is that you will probably need to thin your Ajuga plants from time to time. Ajuga plants are extremely common, perennial in nature, and exceedingly fast growing. Whorls of tiny, blue-violet flowers appear in mid to late spring on spikes rising above the foliage to 10". Ajuga is excellent plant to use for erosion control due to it's extensive root system! Ajuga is ideal with its shallow roots that grow within just a few inches of the ground. You’ll succeed best at ajuga plant propagation if you select a sunny area or one that is in light shade for the plant’s new home. The ajuga clumps will eventually get crowded and begin to lose vigor. The ajuga clumps will eventually get crowded and begin to lose vigor. Plants with the scientific name Ajuga reptans will be the fastest. Most varieties will create a carpet like ground cover and can spread to several feet. Sign up for our newsletter. If we sell too many we need to use one or both of the other propagation methods. It will grow in any soil but not as well as in these types of soil. (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); Follow @shadegardener The flowers of bugleweed are normally bluish to purple but they can be found in white as well.

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