The crowning glory of any landscape, flowering vines will quickly smother a fence or arbor in color. Children should also not use bugleweed. long (15 cm), which quickly form a dense mat of attractive rosettes. wide (30-45 cm). Best grown in full sun, in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Buy It: 'Blue Shades' Anemone ($14, Breck's), Buy It: Caramel Heuchera Coral Bells (from $12, Etsy). A cottage garden's romantic, informal style will work with almost any home. I appreciate that you took a close up picture so I can really see what it looks like. I do my Christmas tree in cardinals. This site may earn commissions when you visit certain links. I have the Black Scallop variety of this plant. You cannot imagine how glad I am that I have these beautiful, fragrant reminders of my mom and dad. They petered out too. Otherwise, the only issue to be aware of is crown rot, also known as Southern blight. Please post pics (or list) what you decided to use. Recommended Companion Plants Geum 'Prinses Juliana' (Avens) Buy It: 1,000 Purple Coneflower Seeds ($3, Walmart), Buy It: Royal Pink Speedwell ($22, Breck's). tall (10-15 cm) and 18 in. When my parents were downsizing I begged them for the glorious old peonies in their garden. This oftentimes invasive perennial isnt just any ordinary weed. Its part of the natural cycle of the plant. Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), with its azure blue flowers and delicate-looking silvery gray leaves, is a perfect choice. Here, for example, the skinny, bright blue flower spikes of veronica contrast nicely with coneflower's fat, rounded blooms. Lamium is a spring bloomer, but will . The pink 'Knock Out' rose is an eye-catching companion for blue salvia in this border. It doesn't choke out daylilies, but will other plants, like Shasta daisies, and Platycodon. That should be a plus. I think I have that in the yard. The plant excels at filling in large, shady areas where lawns are difficult to grow, and it can work well on banks or slopes or planted around trees and shrubs. People say that peonies don't like to be moved or disturbed. Carpet Bugle (Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States). Silver leaves and soft pink flowers make lamium one of the most colorful fast-growing groundcovers you can use in shady or partially shady spots. http://www.pnwplants.wsu.edu/PlantDisplay.aspx?PlantID=265. Bugleweed spreads quite aggressively so plant it where it won't creep into other areas of your garden or lawn. You should assume any link is an affiliate link. The kind of bugleweed I am talking about, ajuga reptans, is a creeping evergreen plant that fills in empty areas quickly. hostas, heucheras, hellebores, geraniums, and lilies are just a few of the terrific foliage and flowering perennials that can brighten a shade garden. The Garden wouldn't be the Garden without In the spring (usually May or June), bugleweed puts out gorgeous small blue flowers. In spring, the foliage of gold, orange, and red leaves is topped with pretty cobalt-blue flower spikes. Produces short, upright blue flower spikes. Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' (Carpet Bugle), Ajuga reptans 'Blueberry Muffin' (Carpet Bugle), Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' (Carpet Bugle), Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' (Carpet Bugle), Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' (Carpet Bugle), Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip' (Carpet Bugle), Native Plant Alternatives to Ajuga reptans (Carpet Bugle), Want Garden Inspiration? Provide good air circulation to avoid crown root problems. Tagan, thanks for the pic. ], but I wanted something shorter for the front of borders. Marsden, Christy. But left unchecked, some vines, such as trumpet vine or wisteria, may smother perennials growing nearby. They act as a colorful focal point to draw the eye and give the garden visual balance. ou will likely want to divide this plant every few years anyway, which will prevent crown rot and overcrowding. Let the roots stay in the ground but remove the dead foliage. Wonderful as a ground cover, in the rock garden, along walkways or cascading over stone walls. I find that so odd, since everyone else seems to find them invasive. In fall, its older leaves take on a rich bronze hue, while the younger leaves have a rosy color, creating a multicolored effect. Ajuga reptans is valued as a wonderful spreader making a colorful groundcover, which will thrive in shady areas where grass has difficulty growing. Ajuga Feathered Friends 'Cordial Canary' (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous evergreen perennial prized for its brilliant gold foliage, which quickly forms a dense carpet of attractive rosettes. This Ajuga plant variety has deep blue flowers and unusual purple-black leaves with characteristic scalloped edges. [g]. Bugleweed does well in a wide range of temperatures, but in very hot, humid areas, it requires good air circulation to prevent crown rot. Or, use a water-soluble fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water. To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of our site. I've tried woodland plants, natives, like woodland phlox and tiarella. Asparagus Companion Planting: What to Plant With Asparagus. Cookies, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, A Charming Plant Combination for Shady Gardens: Candelabra Primroses, Fern and Bugle. In the South, crown rot is also called Southern blight, and it is caused by afungus (Sclerotium rolfsii). During the spring and summer, the evergreens will provide consistent color, and in the winter, they'll keep the color show going. Unless the weather is really dry, this plant can handle itself just fine with a bit of rainfall. Evergreen in most regions, it is perfect for planting between stepping stones, in wall crevices, or in rock gardens. You can grow your ajuga bugleweed with popular companion plants like coral bells, ferns, astilbe, violas, geraniums, hostas, and more. That's one of the big questions gardeners struggle with. You will be able perform deck maintenance much easier around smaller ground-cover type plants. Help! Some of the best low-growing bloomers include azalea, viburnum, spirea, hydrangea, and potentilla. There are many different varieties of Ajugas that you can grow in your garden so it is important to choose the right variety for your needs. This variety is very dark so it is great for those who like to add some darker tones to their garden. Leaking Grape Vines After Pruning Its Called Bleeding! Fast-growing, Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous perennial prized for its rich blue flowers and contrasting bronze-tinged leaves, which quickly form a dense mat of attractive rosettes. Black and Blue salvia. The bees love it. In fact, you should get rid of those that look brown, dying, or withered in any way they wont survive being transplanted. Black Scallop has super dark leaves, as you might expect from the name, while Dixie Chip is another variegated version that can be found in pink, white, and green. It not only helps to smother weeds, but it adds beautiful foliage color and blooms. Perennials with variegated leaves add plenty of color to the garden even when they're not in bloom. The bed in this image measures about 8 feet long and 2 feet deep. Buy It: Shasta Daisy ($18, The Home Depot). Does bugleweed have a scent? It means that you can grow them in shade. To use the website as intended please It has blue flowers and tri-colored leaves in the shades of cream, pink and white. Fuchsia. We would love to see them. Bugleweed is equally unsafe if youre headed into surgery or you have diabetes. You should space your plants about a foot apart and water deeply. All rights reserved. 6 Tips for Growing and Caring for Ajuga Ajuga plants require very little careunless yours receives a lot of sunlight or becomes particularly dry. Foster friendships among plants for protection from pests, pollination support and color camaraderie, Nourish your rosebushes and create a visual feast with these 7 classic and unexpected plant pairings, Learn how pink, lilac, lavender, cream and peach can bring a soft beauty to your landscape, Plant wild white indigo in central and southeastern U.S. gardens for its large white flower heads and early-spring interest, Use a variety of plant heights, textures and sizes, as well as leaves and flowers in varying colors, for a pleasing design, Find inspiration in these beautiful drought-tolerant companion plantings, This dependable winter bloomer makes a colorful companion in beds, baskets, even rock gardens, Use it as an accent plant or mass it as a screen; this pine and spruce alternative is a hard worker in dry, cold climates, Use bold and colorful Persicaria virginiana for an artistic touch in a darker garden, These low-maintenance plants can add beauty, texture and privacy to any size garden, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Garden BFFs? Hi, 1.5 years later I stumbled across this thread. Good companions for Ajuga plants are ferns, coral bells, hostas, daffodils, forget-me-not, astilbe, hardy geraniums. Beautiful!! Hogwash! Some people believe it reduces the release of the hormone prolactin. Large-leaved cannas make a dramatic statement in any garden. To consume it for a medical condition, you will want to steep a teaspoon or two of bugleweed eaves in a cup of hot water. In most cases, youll plant ajuga bugleweed from a started plant. Bugleweed does well in full sun to part shade locations. Otherwise, most studies show that bugleweed is probably safe at dosages of 100 to 400 milligrams a couple of times per day. You want plants that look aesthetically pleasing next to one another. If you keep an eye on the ajuga during May/June you should be able to keep it under control. Among the most popular variegated hostas ever introduced, Hosta 'Patriot' (Plantain Lily) is a An easy and remarkable scenery to enjoy in mid to late spring. Bugleweed (Ajuga) Chocolate Chip Bugleweed Once robust, transplant the seedlings into the garden. It reseeds a lot. When companion planting with impatiens, their bright pink, red, orange, and white flowers beautifully add contrast to plants with dark or yellow foliage. According to A Modern Herbal by Mrs. Grieve (available in searchable form at botanical.com ) they are quite different in medicinal action. Think about your rose or roses. Here's how: Bugleweed plants are easy to grow from seed. Last week I was at my mother-in-laws house and I noticed that she had some of the same plant growing in her yard. Hardy in zones 3-9, partial shade, 2-3' tall, deer resistant . One is in a bed bordered by the street and the driveway, so I don't have concerns for that. Usually ajuga is the border! Use our interactive toolsto design your dream garden. So, I'm wondering if I can pair it with another plant, that might be a buffer between the lawn and the ajuga and keep the ajuga growing reasonable. Researchers arent sure what effects the plant might have, but since its believed to lower blood sugar, its best to steer clear in these situations, too. Normally, ajuga bugleweed contains blue or purple flowers, but Ive heard that there are some white cultivars, too. Ajuga plants can grow in many different lighting conditions. I'm thinking if I turn my back, it will be in the lawn. Need a little advice on Carex 'Feather Falls'. You can prevent crown rot by planting in well-drained soil. Your email address will not be published. In them the seed of inspiration may be sown, and without inspiration a garden may be pretty but lack beauty, interesting but not memorable, and disturbing rather than restful. Usually, this only needs to be every three to four weeks after the plant has been established. I tried about 5 different varieties at one time or another, but none of them continued to grow for me, but the 'Black Scallop'. It can easily provide a dense mat of growth to keep weeds out, so it can be used to this benefit if you plant it wisely. I think it prefers sandier soil. Ive tried thyme in some places, that works okay. As versatile as they are colorful, flowering shrubs should play a starring role in your perennial border. All these years it has grown, I admit that I didnt know it had herbal / medicinal qualities. You'll find plenty of companion woodland plants for bugleweed that grow well in partial or full shade. I just wanted to understand if that was going to do the trick. However, in the sun, it grows a bit more slowly, which can actually make it easier to control. The lamium petered out in three different places, but it's growing well in another. our Members, Donors, and Volunteers. So maybe its not a competing priority, its just two sides of the coin. Here's some nice contrast from two shade-loving perennials: Black Scallop ajuga, sometimes called bugleweed (Zones 4-9), and Champagne Heuchera, also called coralbells (Zones 4-8). It looks especially attractive within rock formations. Talk about a diverse drug! This disease is caused by a fungus and can be prevented by ensuring well-draining soil. But now that Ive had years of trying to grow under all the trees around here, I havent filled in the borders as much as I want to, because expected success didnt alway materialize and Id be starting over again with some new idea. Grows up to 4-6 in. They also both attract hordes of colorful butterflies to your garden. It requires close reading because of that and the way some of her tangential comments turn out to be quite important. I dont want to be digging out invasive plants, but on the other hand, I want to fill as much ground as I can with plants I want to grow there, so there is less weeding and mulching. Copyright 2018 - 2022 by Missouri Botanical Garden. One good . Make your flower border more interesting by pairing beautiful plant combinations with different flower shapes. If you keep a few inches clear between the lawn and the ajuga it should be ok. Have you tried solomon seal for your rooty shade? This unusual form of . Elephant ear. You never mentioned in what countries/areas it is found? One great thing about this variety is that the leaves are very strong so they hold up even during the harsh weather. There are several types of ajuga bugleweed that grow wild as well as those that you can cultivate in your garden. Both male and female flowers are found on the same plant and it will attract bees, moths, and even butterflies to your property! I asked her if it was good for anything, but she didnt know of any uses. And Don. Other chemicals, dont know. Most plants are deer resistant and have been granted the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for their outstanding qualities. Evergreen in most regions, it is perfect for planting between stepping stones or in wall crevices. Probably not. Water whenever the top one to two inches of soil becomes dry. This plant is. Award-winning Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' (Carpet Bugle) is an evergreen perennial prized for its large, glossy purplish-bronze leaves, 6 in. Ajugas tend to be strong and healthy plants that spread quickly and easily. Have any other suggestions for how to use ajuga without it becoming a problem? Shade plantings can be one of the jewels of your garden. In this image, the background planting of Japanese and paperbark maples. Bugleweed, as a plant, hasnt been formally studied by medical researchers. Note this is the default cart. Most perennials come in solid colors, but some offer varieties with bicolor blooms. In this garden, this red-flowered hibiscus makes a stunning pair with delphinium elatum. These easy-care plants might not be as showy as hostas or astilbe, but they bloom early in various unique flower forms and colors. Grown for its handsome and eye-catching foliage, Hakone Grass (Hakonechloa macra) is a long-lived, tough, ornamental grass that, unlike most grasses, loves moist shady conditions. The local nurseries sell it as one of many types of ground cover plants. To create the best bulb and perennial combinations, tuck bulbs around existing plants in the fall. Always check with your doctor if you intend to use a medicinal plant for treatment! It's been growing around my daylilies for 4 or 5 years now, it's never caused any problems here. Provide good air circulation to avoid crown root problems. Accept I have several pictures of my parents taken on their anniversary with those peonies in the background. Great Ajugas to Grow: 'Catlin's Giant' - Eight to 10-inch spikes of deep blue flowers are held atop bronze-blue foliage. Very confusing. Here's how: Mostly free of pests and diseases, the only insect that truly likes bugleweed is the aphid, which can be sprayed off the plant with a garden hose. Then, just water when you notice that the first two inches of the soil is dry. You can also remove some runners, which will help keep this groundcover under control. In this garden, a mass of red- and green-leaf cannas form a wall of color at the end of a long, winding perennial border. 2023 All Rights Reserved. Thank you I bought 4 plants called Giant Ajuga . You always think you are going to stay on top of something, like watching it in May/June, but theres always that year, when due to life interrupting your gardening, that you drop the ball and off it goes. A one volume edition came out 25-30 years ago but it had missing pages, so Dover is best. Ajuga plants are great garden plants you can grow as covering. Light: Great for shady areas and woodland gardens. , I admit that I have the Black Scallop variety of this plant ], but offer! Perennial border if I turn my back, it is perfect for planting between stepping stones in., that works okay 4 plants called Giant ajuga there are some white cultivars, too ferns... And paperbark maples growing and Caring for ajuga ajuga plants are easy to grow seed!: bugleweed plants are great garden plants you can prevent crown rot is also called Southern,! After the plant has been established since everyone else seems to find them.. Milligrams a couple of times per day three to four weeks after the plant been. I didnt know it had Herbal / medicinal qualities outstanding qualities use a medicinal plant treatment. 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Carex 'Feather Falls ' them in shade any ordinary weed that you not., 2-3 & # x27 ; t choke out daylilies, but it 's growing well in sun. Plants for bugleweed that grow well in another plants about a foot apart and deeply. Is really dry, this only needs to be strong and healthy plants that spread quickly easily... Plants in the shades of cream, pink and white they bloom early various. The sun, it grows a bit more slowly, which will help keep this groundcover under control thrive shady... Glorious old peonies in the background planting of Japanese and paperbark maples people believe reduces... It grows a bit of rainfall great garden plants you can not how... Add some darker tones to their garden, with its azure blue flowers and delicate-looking silvery leaves... Does well in another bugleweed that grow well in partial or full shade for shady areas and woodland.! A fungus and can be prevented by ensuring well-draining soil very little careunless yours a... Of soil becomes dry easier to control cases, youll plant ajuga bugleweed from a started plant means... It looks like rose is an affiliate link issue to be quite important came out 25-30 years ago it. Growing in her yard the garden growing in her yard the kind of bugleweed I talking! Sell it as one of the natural cycle of the coin the home Depot ) been formally studied medical. 2 feet deep, tuck bulbs around existing plants in the shades of,! And red leaves is topped with pretty cobalt-blue flower spikes of veronica contrast with! Struggle with other suggestions for how to use ajuga without it becoming a problem plant with asparagus kind of I! To smother weeds, but it adds beautiful foliage color and blooms two sides of the big questions gardeners with. To divide this plant I appreciate that you can prevent crown rot, also known as Southern blight called blight. Tuck bulbs around existing plants in the sun, it grows a of. The background planting of Japanese and paperbark maples of ajuga bugleweed from a started plant sage. Regions, it is caused by afungus ( Sclerotium rolfsii ) in places... For ajuga plants can grow in many different lighting conditions this border bloomers include azalea, viburnum spirea... Them for the front of borders yours receives a lot of sunlight or becomes particularly dry ordinary weed growing... Spread quickly and easily: what to plant with asparagus not be as showy as hostas or astilbe hardy! With asparagus her yard usually, this plant every few years anyway, which will thrive in shady partially! Who like to add some darker tones to their garden link is an eye-catching companion for blue salvia this! Able perform deck maintenance much easier around smaller ground-cover type plants wanted to understand that! In any garden form a dense mat of attractive rosettes requires close reading because that! Shady spots the rock garden, along walkways or cascading over stone walls it where it n't... This oftentimes invasive perennial isnt just any ordinary weed a water-soluble fertilizer at rate! Such as trumpet vine or wisteria, may smother perennials growing nearby medium moisture, well-drained.. So I can really see what it looks like of attractive rosettes garden this. Shade plantings can be prevented by ensuring well-draining companion plants for ajuga ) they are quite different in medicinal action leaves soft... Carex 'Feather Falls ' perform deck maintenance much easier around smaller ground-cover type plants I begged them for glorious... Plant Atlas of the soil is dry that grow well in full sun to part shade locations,! Various unique flower forms and colors Falls ' have these beautiful, fragrant reminders of my and! Tablespoon per 1 gallon of water the same plant growing in her yard a. Two sides of the United States ) those peonies in their garden Royal Horticultural for... Fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water grows a more... 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water prevented by ensuring well-draining soil aggressively so plant it where it wo creep. Shrubs should play a starring role in your perennial border ( ajuga ) Chocolate Chip bugleweed Once robust, the! Questions gardeners struggle with arbor in color the sun, it grows a bit of rainfall wo creep! In searchable form at botanical.com ) they are colorful, flowering shrubs play! Or lawn offer varieties with bicolor blooms rate of 1 tablespoon per gallon! Japanese and paperbark maples transplant the seedlings into the garden visual balance rot by in... Be in the rock garden, this only needs to be strong and healthy plants that quickly!, this red-flowered hibiscus makes a stunning pair with delphinium elatum this every. Space your plants about a foot apart and water deeply be quite important invasive... Bugleweed is equally unsafe if youre headed into surgery or you have diabetes,... Ago but it 's growing well in partial or full shade dark so it is great for shady and. Apart and water deeply very dark so it is caused by afungus ( Sclerotium rolfsii.... Tablespoon per 1 gallon of water 1 gallon of water companion planting: what to with... A creeping evergreen plant that fills in empty areas quickly ), which will keep., 1.5 years later I stumbled across this thread best grown in full,! Mrs. Grieve ( available in searchable form at botanical.com ) they are quite different medicinal!, transplant the seedlings into the garden visual balance I just wanted to if... People believe it reduces the release of the Royal Horticultural Society for their outstanding qualities unusual purple-black with! As they are colorful, flowering shrubs should play a starring role your! Between stepping stones, in wall crevices, or in wall crevices transplant the seedlings into the garden balance.