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Your ordinarybugleweedisnt a traditional flower.
However, what separates it from yourtypical houseplantare the clear-cut differences.
Your typicalajugawill steal attention and, if not controlled, your whole garden.
But dont write off the plant just yet!
it’s possible for you to choose between many cultures to find the right look for your garden.
What is an Ajuga?
It competes with native plants and even outcompetes them if kept unmaintained.
It has deep green leaves, beautiful spikes, and blueish flowers.
Ajugabelongs to the bigger Ajugeae tribe of plants.
Among the five genera, it is the most dominant and popular.
Lets take a step further back in its classification.
Ajuga belongs to the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family.
Ajuga Types and Varieties
With the world so big, a lot of ajuga plant varieties evolved.
Much more than you’re free to count with your fingers.
You should at least know the main varieties.
In North America, this key in is considered to be invasive.
Also, you dont need to stick to a single species.
However, it does grow in North America naturally.
Its known for upright stems and bigger leaves.
In Austria, this species is commonly used in medicine.
Because of its slower growth, it commonly grows on the edges of ornamental gardens.
The stem grows straight and can grow as tall as 10 in (25 cm).
Its native to Europe, especially Scotland and rocky ground.
It can grow at 8,858 ft (2700 m) altitudes.
Its used for medicine and can create hybrids withAjuga reptansandAjuga genevensisvarieties.
Native to central Asia, especially Uzbekistan,Ajuga turkestanicahas various medical benefits.
For example, local herbalists prescribe the herb as a tonic of sorts.
Today, a lot of supplements use turkesterone, derived fromAjuga turkestanicaextract.
Where, When, and How to Plant Ajuga
Sticking with it?
Your plant will thrive if you carefully grab the time, location, and way to plant it.
In the case ofAjuga reptans, it spreads rapidly by producing stolons or runners.
As the number increases, new plants begin to grow on the runners.
So, its also important to plant where there is enough space for the plant to spread.
The moist and warm soil benefits the plant in the long term.
The following steps are easy:
Step 1.
Dig out a hole as big as the container ajuga came in.
Place the plant (especially the crown) on the same level as the surface.
Fill in the void space with soil.
Use your fingers to firm the soil.
Water the freshly planted bugleweed.
If you are planting several ajuga plants at the same time, ensure to keep them 12 inches apart.
ensure the factors below are in check, and your plant will flourish nicely.
So, verify to plant it in full or partial sun.
Soil
Ajugawill grow best in moist, well-drained soils with a good amount of organic matter.
However, the plant can tolerate dry soil.
Water
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If recently planted, you will need to water your plant generously.
Preferably, one to two inches of water (including rain) per week.
An inch of water should be enough once the roots are established and growing.
Temperature and Humidity
Your ordinary bugleweed can deal with various temperatures and humidity.
As long as there is good air circulation, your plant will thrive.
However, if the soil is poor, you might choose granular or water-soluble choices.
Its best to feed your plant in the mornings and rinse any fertilizer left on the leaves with water.
You will need to put in some sweat pruning, though.
But dont worry; when winter comes, youll have the time to relax.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to control your plant and reduce the number of runners.
you’re free to also do some cosmetic pruning.
Mainly in summer, cut off used-up flower spikes to encourage new growth.
When the flowers wilt, remove them too.
Overwintering
Ajuga is a tough plant.
Instead, use some slow-dissolving fertilizer (if required) or provide extra warmth using mulch.
Propagating to Grow More Ajugas
Is your current plant expanding too slowly?
Well, you might want to grow some more ajuga plants by propagating them.
you’re able to do this in two waysdivision or seeds.
Each presents unique challenges and different results.
Propagating by Division
Image credit:Evans Gardening YouTube!
It is best to do theajugadivision in spring and fall, coinciding with the best planting seasons.
The steps are rather straightforward:
Step 1.
Dig up plant clumps that include the main plant and the offshoots.
Its time to showcase your knife skills.
Separate the plant clumps into individual plants by knife or hand)
Step 3.
Discard plants with brown leaves or those that are on the brink of dying.
Keep the care going, and enjoy your annual beauty every year.
If you follow the steps correctly, you will now have an attractive ground cover.
The whole process starts indoors:
Suggestion.
Grow your ajuga from seed during the spring and fall seasons.
Step 1.Place plant seeds in soil-filled containers.
Mix in some compost for a better result.
Water the seeds often.
Just see to it not to overwater them.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
In about a month, the seeds will germinate and sprout some seedlings.
Then, move them into bigger pots.
Once summer comes, plant your ajuga outside.
Thankfully, with the proper treatment, its easy to get rid of them.
However, yourbugleweedmight develop rot problems and maybe even fungus.
These problems usually develop due to poor care, so avoid soggy soil and ensure good air circulation.
Coral Bells
Image credit:Acabashi, CC-BY-SA 4.0
Coral bells are also grown as groundcover plants.
Combined, the two can produce an array of colors.
Sincebugleweedgrows slightly faster, you could use coral bells to fill in the empty space.
Bleeding heart flowers are pink and usually like the same soil as the faster-growing companion.
With these two in your garden, you will have a beautiful view throughout all four seasons.
Should You Plant Ajuga?
Image credit:Spoken Garden,Grannys Garden
Now comes the big questionis it worth it?
If you want to develop some additional foliage color on the ground, go ahead!
But be warned: if you dont pay enough attention, it can overtake your garden.
So, count the cons and pros before buying some seeds or preparing saplings.
Either way, chances are you wont be disappointed.
FAQ
How Invasive is Ajuga?
In Europe, this plant is considered natural.
However, in North America, the plant is considered to be invasive.
For this reason, you should select pairing plants carefully so as not to destroy your gardens ecosystem.
Is Ajuga a Good Ground Cover?
Considering the cons and pros, this plant is a good ground cover.
It spreads quickly, fills empty spaces, and looks beautiful throughout the seasons.
How Fast Does Ajuga Spread?
The growth depends on the available resources, particularly nutrients.
The plant can spread indefinitely as long as there are nutrients.
With adequate watering and sunlight, you might expect your whole ground to be covered in ajuga plants.
