Fast Growing, Ornamental Ground Cover: Ajuga Reptans
BY WIKILAWN | AUGUST 28TH, 2011 | CREEPERS, EVERGREEN, FLOWERS, FOLIAGE PLANT, GROUND COVER, OUTDOOR, PERENNIALS, ZONE 3A, ZONE 3B, ZONE 4A, ZONE 4B, ZONE 5A, ZONE 5B, ZONE 6A, ZONE 6B, ZONE 7A, ZONE 7B, ZONE 8A, ZONE 8B, ZONE 9A, ZONE 9BAjuga Reptans or Carpet Bugleweed is a quick solution if you are looking for a plant to cover wide empty spaces, beds or bare soil. As a vigorous growing groundcover, it would readily cover the ground to form a low growing thick mat of dark green or coppery leaves. Ajuga Reptans can also be used to control soil erosion as it spreads quickly via runners and grows almost in any type of soil with good drainage.
Ajuga Reptans Groundcover, Image from wikipedia
Grown as ornamental groundcover, Ajuga Reptans is good for beds as well as landscapes where it provides a glossy dense mat of leaves and produces attractive flowers of blue or purple colors. Flowers grow on small stalks (up to 6 inches). These conspicuous flowers make a spectacular show in spring till midsummer. Ajuga Reptans can also be grown under tree or combined with shrubs in landscapes for a dramatic effect in flowering season. Rich in nectar, flowers of Ajuga Reptans attract birds, bees and butterflies.
How to Grow Ajuga Reptans
Ajuga Reptans is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Australia. It can be grown under shade or sun with regular watering. It does not have any special soil needs and grows in almost any soil with good water drainage. Propagation is done from softwood cuttings.