A low growing ground cover plant for the shaded areas. It has multicolored foliage along with spikes of violet-blue flowers. Prefers semi-shade, moist soil.
Pronunciation
(a-JOO-guh)(REP-tans)
Plant Type
All Plants, Perennials Hardy
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Sunlight
full to shade, deeper color in brighter light, foliage becomes crispy in hot dry sites, this cultivar probably needs a bit more shade
Moisture
average to moist, not dry
Soil & Site
normal to moist
Flowers
violet-blue spikes spikes, mid to end of May
Leaves
white, red, pink, and bronze , best coloration in the spring and fall
Stems
stolons, square stems
Dimensions
Reaches 6" high. Plant 1-4 plant per square foot, depending on the size of the pots. This variety is not as aggressive as some of the other Ajuga.
Maintenance
This plant can suffer from winter damage from the drying winds. If it is in an area that will not get snow cover, a light mulch will help. Some dead heading may be required.
Propagation
very easy from division
Native Site
Europe
Misc Facts
This plant is also called Bugle Weed.
Author's Notes
Many Ajuga are rapid spreaders to the point of being a weed. This variety is not. I like to use this as a specimen or accent plant rather than a ground cover for large areas.
Notes & Reference
#04-Herbaceous Perennial Plants (Allan Armitage), #68-Groundcovers for the Midwest (Voight, Hamilton, Giles)