How to Grow Ajuga Herbaceous Flower
Lamiaceae
Ajuga is a low maintenance, vigorous growing herbaceous plant, with 40 species.
They are evergreen to semi-evergreen. Some varieties are annual, others are
perennial. This low growing, flowering plant is a member of the mint family.
Growing up to six inches, it has a spreading habit that makes for great ground
cover on hills, embankments and shady areas. Each plant can spread 6 - 18
inches.
Ajuga are Native to Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. They are tough and
durable plants. They can take some light foot traffic without serious damage.
These plants are drought tolerant. They are also resistant to rabbits and
deer.
Ajuga are aggressive plants. They can easily spread into lawns and areas
of your flower garden where they are unwanted. As a result, some people consider
them to be weeds. Use lawn edging as needed, to help contain them.
With 40 varieties and glossy leaves, you can find a wide range of foliage
colors. Flower colors include bright blue, pink and white blossoms.
Ajugas as Houseplants?
Why not!? While you don’t see much written about growing Ajuga indoors
as a houseplant, you certainly can. This low maintenance plant, grows well
in light shade, making it a great candidate to grow indoors as a houseplant.
Like other plants, grown indoors, it will grow more slowly. It’s evergreen
leaves offers greenery all year long. It may be harder to get Ajuga to bloom
indoors. Plant it in a wide, shallow container.
Flowers Bloom: Spring to Summer
Other Names: Bugleweed, ground pine, carpet bugle, bugle
Plant Propagation:
Ajuga plants propagate through wide spreading roots, called
“stalons”. Nodes develop along the root, producing more plants.
How to Grow:
Ajuga are low maintenance plants. They grow well in sun to light shade. They
are drought tolerant, and grow best in moist, well drained soil. Growing
Ajuga on hills and embankments helps with drainage.
Plant roots with nodes in the spring after all danger of frost. Separate
plants every 12-18 inches, depending upon how quickly you want them to fill
in an area. Dig just deep enough to bury the roots.
Ajuga plants form dense colonies. For best health and blooms, dig up and
separate clumps of roots every 3-4 years.
Plant Problems:
Ajuga plants have few insect problems. Spray with insecticides, only if needed.
The plant is susceptible to crown rot in wet soils and humid weather.
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