Amazing Ajuga (reptans)

Some plants just really know how to grow! Take this Ajuga reptans (Bugleweed) that I planted in my corner shade garden area last fall for instance. I had one plant that I divided into two and planted on either side of a large stepping stone. Those two plants have now become all those that you see in the picture below.

To me that's just amazing! Ajuga makes a great groundcover for shady areas. You can help ajuga along by propagating more of it through division but that really isn't necessary unless you want the purple and green variegated groundcover to spread in a new location.

Ajuga is great for a little color in the shade or a living mulch underneath shrubs and trees. It fills in thick and doesn't allow for many weeds to poke through. Keep in mind that it spreads fast and has the potential to become invasive. It's easy enough through to control with a shovel and hoe.  Ajuga grows well in zones 3-9, likes the shade or part shade but can handle more sun if in a cooler climate.