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Growth Rate
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– Moderate to fast spread once established; forms a dense, weed‑suppressing carpet within 1–2 seasons under good conditions |
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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No |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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– Attracts bees and other pollinators in bloom
– Generally deer and rabbit resistant; foliage texture and aromatic compounds deter browsing |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Spring: Fresh dark foliage and showy flower spikes
– Summer: Dense groundcover; possible light rebloom if sheared and watered
– Fall: Foliage color often intensifies; excellent contrast with autumn tones
– Winter: Evergreen to semi‑evergreen (leaf tips may bronze/purple in cold) |
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Ideal For
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Groundcover, edging, between stepping stones, underplanting shrubs or trees, mass planting, container gardens, erosion control |
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Leaf Description
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– Near‑black to deep burgundy‑purple, glossy leaves forming tight rosettes; color deepens in cool weather
– Rounded to ovate leaves with smooth to slightly scalloped edges; high contrast against golds, blues, and silvers |
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Flower Description
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– Short, upright spikes of violet‑blue to blue‑purple flowers in mid–late spring (often a light rebloom with summer moisture)
– Whorled blooms along square stems; attractive to pollinators |
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Planting Instructions
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– Timing: Spring or early fall for fastest establishment
– Soil: Moist, well‑drained loam; tolerates clay if not waterlogged; pH slightly acidic to neutral
– Prep: Loosen top 6–8 in; work in compost for drainage and moisture balance
– Spacing: 12–15 in (30–38 cm) apart for quick coverage; plant crown level with soil (do not bury)
– Mulch: Light, open mulch (1 in) around—not on—crowns to avoid crown rot; keep runners free to root |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– After bloom: Shear spent flower spikes and lightly trim foliage to refresh the mat and encourage new leaves
– Edge control: Lift or spade along borders 1–2× per season to confine spread
– Winter clean‑up: Remove tattered leaves in early spring before new flush |
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Water Needs
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– Keep evenly moist the first growing season; thereafter moderate water—allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings
– Do not allow prolonged sogginess; crown rot can occur in saturated soils or under heavy mulch |
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Light Needs
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– Part shade to full sun in cool summer regions; morning sun/afternoon shade where summers are hot
– Dark, near‑black foliage colors best with some sun; avoid harsh, reflected afternoon sun in heat zones |
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Harvesting
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– Cut flowers/foliage: Small spikes can be snipped for petite arrangements; foliage useful as a dark accent in posies
– Fruit: Inconspicuous nutlets after flowering; not ornamental and not used culinarily
– For propagation, divide clumps or lift and replant rooted stolons rather than saving seed (seedlings won’t be true) |
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Fertilizing
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– Low feeder: Top‑dress with compost in spring; in poor soils, apply a light, balanced, slow‑release fertilizer once in spring
– Avoid high‑nitrogen programs that promote overly soft growth and increase disease risk |
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Pollination
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– Flowers are nectar‑rich and insect‑pollinated (bees, hoverflies); plants are self‑fertile but cultivars are typically maintained vegetatively for true‑to‑type traits
– Deadhead if you wish to prevent stray seedlings (seedlings may not match cultivar foliage color) |
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Companion Plants
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Pairs well with other moisture-loving groundcovers and perennials:
– Hosta varieties – Large foliage contrast
– Heuchera (Coral Bells) – Colorful leaves create visual depth
– Tiarella (Foamflower) – Soft textures pair well
– Ferns – Great for shady woodland borders
– Astilbe – Similar moisture preferences and seasonal bloom
– Pulmonaria – Variegated foliage and spring flowers enhance combinations
– Carex (Sedges) – Grassy foliage complements the dense habit of Ajuga |
