Tags
ajuga, alternative medicine, bugleweed, burgundy glow ajuga, erosion, flowering spikes, flowers, full sun, gardening, ground cover, landscaping, low allergen, perennial, perennial gardening, shade plant
I planted my burgundy glow Ajuga last year during the fall. What first attracted me to this semi-evergreen ground-cover was its colorful foliage. I had shades of green, cream and purple all winter in my perennial garden. There was the added benefit, that it’s a low allergen plant.
Ajuga Flowering Spikes
This spring was the first time I got to see the beautiful purple flowering spikes (about 8″-10″ tall) and the runners of foliage reaching out. Ajuga is versatile enough to be planted in full sun or full shade. The Ajuga that is in full sun has more flowers, while the Ajuga in the shade is slower growing and has larger leaves. The flowers are supposed to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while the foliage deters deer (three more pros to this plant).
Ajuga Runners
To prune Ajuga you can trim or even mow, it’s really hardy. If you want a more controlled look, thin out runners as needed. This is a great ground cover for banks and to prevent erosion.
Some forms of Ajuga are even used in alternative medicines for heart problems.
What do you think about this plant?
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