Ajuga
I love this stuff.
It has great looking foliage all season, but when it blooms with these purple-blue spikes, it is especially eye catching.
Ajuga likes shade, but will tolerate quite a bit of sun as it does in this area. Butterflies, hummingbirds and bees are attracted to the flowers, but deer are not (a big plus for me).
It is fast spreading through runners, but I would not consider it invasive. The runner plants can be pulled up and replanted elsewhere which is exactly how I got so much of it from my original planting of two pots years ago. It is very easy to replant. In fact I have been known to just yank out the runners and toss them about, (making sure they land upright) and they have survived.
The only thing I don't like about ajuga is how the spikes look after they go to seed. I find it messy looking. I will often cut each spent bloom off just to tidy it up if its in a highly visible area of my garden.
If you are looking for a good groundcover for a shady area, I don't think you can go wrong with ajuga.
So beautiful garden!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Zoey...I hope you don't mind me dropping by, I followed a link through a friend's list:-) I'm so glad I did check your blog out, such a beautiful spot you have and the flowers are absolutely gorgeous!! Love your deck too and the way you've put those colored quilts on the chairs and benches!! We had snow this morning too and I also posted a picture on my blog of it:-) Take care and you can be sure I'll be back:-)
ReplyDeleteMy ajuga never looks THAT good! I'm going to plant some in the sun.
ReplyDeleteI love this stuff too!
ReplyDeleteOh I want some too! I love the bluish colors anyway. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBummer about the cold snap-we are having a bit of it too. Miserable wind and my little flowers taking the brunt of it. The potted annuals look pretty good though.
Hi Zoey. I came here through Val's blog and glad I did. I've thought about planting ajuga but have only seen it grown as a groundcover.
ReplyDeleteThis display looks awesome and the added benefit of great foliage means I'll definitely investigate it further.