Ajuga

Ajuga (Ajuga reptans), also known as bugle or bugleweed, is a fast-growing, herbaceous, leafy groundcover that is ideal for most sheltered, shady locations. It is perfect for filling in bare spots, especially under trees or adding a pop of colour to a garden or pot border. Additionally, consider using it as an alternative to lawn, or around pavers in a walkway or entertaining area.

Ajuga forms a dense mat of foliage in shades of bronze, green, or purple, often with cream-colored or pink edges. In spring to early summer, it brightens the scene with spires of vibrant blue, purple, pink, or white blossoms. This plant spreads by suckering, creating a carpet over the ground that effectively chokes out weeds. The species name “reptans,” which means “creeping,” reflects its aggressive growth. Therefore, it’s best to plant Ajuga in areas where it won’t invade other parts of your garden or lawn.

Ajuga, which is part of the mint family, can be planted year-round. To encourage dense growth, space plants around 20cm apart.

There are some beautiful varieties of ajuga to suit your garden or pot space. Check out your local hardware or garden centre for varieties that grow in your location. Here are a few to get you started:

• Ajuga reptan ‘Burgundy Glow’: This plant has a very unique appearance with its many shades of plant foliage. The oval spoon-shaped leaves are cream and burgundy variegated with mauve/blue tubular flowers held above the foliage in late spring and summer.  Growing to a height of 10cm and 1m wide, it can be grown in full sun or shade.
• Ajuga reptan ‘Chocolate Chip’: As the name suggests, the oval spoon-shaped leaves are a deep green colour overlaid with chocolate brown hues, with lilac blue flower spikes held above the foliage during spring and summer. Prefering a full sun or shady area, it is an easy-care plant growing to around 10cm and 1m in width, so it is ideal for a space you want to cover.
• Ajuga reptans Mahogany Mini: Is great for planting with other ajugas or plants for beautiful contrasting colour. An attractive, hardy ground cover with small glossy mahogany and green leaves and masses of upright blue flower stalks throughout spring and summer, it grows to around 12cm tall and 40cm wide.
• Ajuga Princess Nadia Ajuga tenorii: It is a plant to add contrast and colour to any garden with its compact bugle groundcover with year-round interest from its variegated, pink-tipped foliage and profuse purple-blue flower spikes. An easy-to-grow plant that loves full sun and part shade.
• Ajuga australis: For the native garden, look for the Australian native species. Also known as Australian Bugle, it is a dense-growing ground cover with upright spikes of mauve flowers in summer. It has deep green foliage with a dark tinge. Once established, it will tolerate dry periods and frost.

Growing conditions

Aspect Ajuga prefers a part to full shade position; however, they can tolerate full sun in certain climates as long as they have consistent, moist soil. In hot conditions, they need shade, but will grow well in the sun in cooler conditions, depending on the variety selected.

Soil These plants need moist but well-drained soil. Dig in well-rotted compost or manure and/or Seasol Super Compost as part of the soil preparation. Also, add  Seasol Plant + Soil Booster to the soil when planting to aid with plant establishment and healthy growth. If growing in pots, use a premium potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix..

Climate Best suited to cool to warm temperate climates. Ajuga is frost-tolerant.

General care

Watering: Consistent moisture is important, especially during the plant’s establishment period. Water regularly more frequently if conditions are hot, dry or windy. Once established, Ajuga can tolerate moderate dryness. To keep plants growing strong and healthy apply Seasol regularly every two to four weeks from establishment.

Feeding and mulching Agjua respond with strong growth to a liquid feed with a fertiliser for native plants, such as PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives.  They also benefit from the seasonal application of a granular fertiliser during the year. Apply Seasol Plus Nutrients All Purpose including  Natives, during the growing season.

Use mulch around new plantings to deter weed growth before the groundcover plant can spread and act as a living mulch.

Pruning Ajugas only needs to be pruned to maintain shape and to stop them wandering into unwanted areas, such as lawns or pathways. They can also be pruned to remove dead and diseased foliage.

Watch out Few pest or disease problems. Heavily shaded plants may develop powdery mildew. To combat, cut back overhanging growth to provide more light.