Wait until all chance of frost has passed to plant ajugas. Bugleweed has shiny, dark green leaves and produces blue, violet, or purple flower spikes in mid- to late-spring that can reach 8 to 10 inches tall, although the flower spikes on some cultivars are shorter. Summary Ajuga reptans has some relatively minor invasive characteristic such … See our favorite shrubs that flower and flourish in the shadows. As they grow, they turn grayish-green with creamy gold margins. For this reason it’s our preferred method in our nursery. This member of the mint family spreads fast and can become invasive. It spreads by underground runners that form clumps surrounding the parent plant. New Jersey Invasive Plant Species New Jersey Strategic Management Plan for Invasive Species. Because bugleweed spreads aggressively via runners, that fact should alert you to its potential to be invasive. Bugleweed does well in a wide range of temperatures, but in very hot, humid areas, it requires good air circulation to prevent crown rot. To shear back a large area of bugleweed, use a lawnmower set to a high blade height. If we sell too many we need to use one or both of the other propagation methods. Plants that are not grown and distributed through the industry (such as Alliaria petiolata, Garlic Mustard) do not appear on this list. The following list contains alien invasive plants that are grown and/or used in the Horticulture/Nursery industry. Ajuga prefers shade with light morning sun. You can help prevent crown rot by assuring the soil drains well. However, ajuga seems to love it: nice flowers, low growth habit, no maintenance. Ajuga reptans is commonly known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle, and traditionally but less commonly as St. Lawrence plant. Because ajuga naturalizes easily, spreading by stolons, or horizontal stems that creep along the ground, you'll want to think about where you plant it. The plants will often come back in the following year. If you are looking for an attractive edging plant, Sandia alumroot is less likely to invade the lawn than ajuga (Ajuga reptans, Zones 3–10) or many … Bugleweed 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. Growing in North Texas. Butterfly Bush. Roots of infected plants will contain small knots caused by the feeding of these microscopic worms. Like Sweet Woodruff, Ajuga reptans is native to Europe. A variegated form is somewhat less invasive. Overview of Non-indigenous Plant Species in New Jersey. However, it has a … If this happens, remove the dead foliage, but let the roots stay in the ground. Spruce up your outdoor space with products handpicked by HGTV editors. Ajuga … This plant is called a butterfly bush because it attracts butterflies. To prevent this disease, give your plants good air circulation and avoid overfertilizing. This is best done in spring or fall when there is no chance of frost. Invasive species on the watch list have been identified as posing an immediate or potential threat to Michigan's economy, environment or human health. The beloved shade tree, the American elm, is making a comeback, thanks to new varieties and cultivars that tolerate Dutch elm disease. They’re also great for growing underneath shrubs and trees. For instance, the North Carolina Native Plant Society has it listed as a "lesser threat". I've read that gardeners either love Ajuga for a difficult site, or curse it for spreading everywhere they don't want it. Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' - foliage almost twice as big as normal, becoming more popular for its medium-bold texture ... Ajuga reptans is a slowly invasive prostrate groundcover with attractive vertical spikes of flowers in late Spring, and semi-evergreen foliage for year-round interest. Discard brown or withered clumps, and plant the individual plants in new locations. It bears a bluish-purple bloom. Invasive Listing Sources: Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007: Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. If the planting area becomes crowded, thin out the plants in the fall by digging up the entire clump and replanting half of the roots. Be sure to remove any runners escaping the desired planting area. Plant habit: prostrate (flat) However, there are a few situations in which its good qualities will be enough reason for some gardeners to grow it. 4 pp. It presents gardeners with a tough decision in plant selection. Although it has pretty flowers and is available in several different cultivars that work well in landscaping, it can also make quite a nuisance of itself through rampant spread. The list includes plants that are not on the quarantine list (making them illegal to sell or purchase) but that have invasive potential, including burning bush and Japanese barberry. Dense foliage will choke out weeds. Carpet a shady spot, a slope or an area where grass won't grow with this tough groundcover. ‘Toffee Chip’ – This variety, which is hardy in zones 3 to 10, has new leaves that start out light brown. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 15 Best Zone 8 Plants to Put In Your Garden. It is invasive in parts of North America. It will tolerate moderately dry soil. Because ajuga naturalizes easily, spreading by stolons, or horizontal stems that creep along the ground, you'll want to think about where you plant it. Bugleweed does well in full sun to part shade locations. This article contains information about propagating ajuga plants in the garden. A great choice as a living mulch under established trees, will form a dense carpet. Then dig holes just deep enough for the root balls, spacing the holes 8 to 15 inches apart. Avoid planting too close to flower beds, lawns, or other areas where you'd have to keep removing it. To control it in your planting beds, you'll have to be faithful about pulling it out from where it doesn't belong. They are evergreen or semi-evergreen, obovate (spoon-shaped), and … Ajuga weed control is tricky, and tackling ajuga plants in lawns is especially challenging. ‘Catlin’s Giant’ – Eight to 10-inch spikes of deep blue flowers are held atop bronze-blue foliage. The plants grow to 6 inches high and spread up to 28 inches. When it is needed, apply an all-purpose granular fertilizer. Crown rot can be a problem, especially in hot, humid areas or in heavy soils. They have upright rosettes of leaves, and they produce clusters of blue, purple, or white flowers. Ajugas may be small, but these little groundcovers are durable and tough. In the South, watch out for crown rot, also called "Southern blight," which is caused by a fungus (Sclerotium rolfsii). Here's a patch of Ajuga that I really like in morning sun / afternoon shade. Although it produces beautiful flower spikes and is available in several different cultivars that work well in landscaping, it can also make quite a nuisance of itself through its aggressive spreading via underground runners (called stolens). Hardy in zones 5 to 9, it needs regular watering, especially when the temperatures soar. Foliage color is most vibrant when the plant receives at least three to four hours of sunlight daily. Meet one of the best groundcovers for shade that delivers evergreen color year round. This research reflects the data available at the time this evaluation was conducted. Replace annual impatiens with shade loving perennials for a low maintenance landscape. Ajuga is subject to soil-borne diseases, particularly where air circulation and soil drainage are less than ideal. It forms a dense mat that will choke out weeds, and it is known to be fairly deer-resistant. They can take sun to partial shade, although the foliage develops its best color in full sun. The Ajuga reptans Chocolate Chip (a-JOO-guh, REP-tanz) is a member of the Lamiaceae family hailing from Europe.. Use these silvery, gray-green or chartreuse plants as fillers and spillers in the garden. Virginia Invasive Plant Species List The Virginia Invasive Plant Species List comprises species that are established — or may become established — in Virginia, cause economic and ecological harm, and present ongoing manage-ment issues. When it comes to producing multiple plants in a short period of time division of ajuga reptans is the fastest method. Ajuga is one of the easiest plants to propagate. ‘Black Scallop’ – Add near-black to your yard or garden with this very dark ajuga, which has blue flowers and purple-black leaves with scalloped edges. The Plants Database includes the following 4 species of Ajuga .Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. Ajugas are low-maintenance plants that have good resistance to rabbits and deer. Ajuga is a commonplace groundcover, but this dark, coppery-burgundy one makes a great foil to taller or spiky-foliage dark plants such as black mondo grass. It tends to escape its boundaries and invades flower beds and lawns if it isn’t carefully contained. Whorls of tiny, blue-violet flowers appear in mid to late spring on spikes rising above the foliage to 10\". Once robust, transplant the seedlings into the garden. Invasive potential: invasive and not recommended by UF/IFAS faculty (reassess in 10 years) Uses: mass planting; container or above-ground planter; ground cover; edging. Man mowing the grass These plants are in the mint family. Start bugleweed seed indoors in pots filled with a seed-starter mix. Carpet Bugle Ajuga reptans Mint family (Lamiaceae) Description: This herbaceous perennial plant is 4-12" tall and unbranched, consisting of a rosette of leaves and a flowering stalk. Ajuga can be grown in zones 3 to 10 and generally stays short, although when in flower, it gains a few inches. 2003. They don’t require pruning, but if you want to make them look a bit neater after the blooms are finished, mow over them with your mower on a high setting. If you're not vigilant about controlling it, it will soon gain a toehold and become a pest. Bonus: you'll get spring-to-summer blooms. The origin of the genus name of the plant is unclear, but the specific epithet, reptanz, means “creeping” and describes the plants’ spreading, rambling growth habit. It is so hardy and resilient. Avoid planting too close to flower beds, lawns, or other areas where you'd have to keep removing it. Home and Garden Information Center, Home and Garden Mimeo HG88. These species either have never been confirmed in the wild in Michigan or have a limited known distribution. ‘Purple Brocade’ – Use this ajuga, which has bluish-violet flowers and deep green leaves with purple markings, in zones 3 to 9. The plants grow 3 to 6 inches tall and spread one to two feet across. Dress up your yard’s shady spots with the fragrant blooms of an old-fashioned favorite. However, Ajuga species can also become invasive, which is something which gardeners should think about before planting them. Bugleweed: Also called ajuga (Ajuga reptans), this invasive plant is not eaten by invading deer, making it useful for deer control. Ajuga is susceptible to the root-knot nematode ( Meloidogyne incognita ), which mainly occurs from the Midlands to the Low Country. Feeding is rarely necessary unless the plant is growing in poor soil. Family This plant provides one of the best groundcovers for heavy shade. At the point where these clumps begin to get crowded, you can dig them up and transplant them. I love Ajuga in my garden as a ground cover. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Bugleweed, common bugleweed, ajuga, carpet bugle, blue bugle, carpetweed, carpenter's herb, 6 to 9 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide, Europe, northern Africa, southwestern Asia. When in full flower, large clumps of bugleweed can produce a striking display. When the seedlings are viable, pot them up into larger containers. Plant bugleweed in an area where air circulation is good, spacing the plants about 1 foot apart. Ajugas seldom need fertilizing. Ajuga genevensis: plants upright, not forming mats and upper lip of corolla with 2 teeth (vs. A. reptans, the plants stoloniferous, forming mat-like colonies and upper lip of corolla entire). This Plants Growzone: 3 … Learn more about this low-maintenance, clumping groundcover, also known as lilyturf. Four grasslike plants that thrive in shady gardens. In an effort to slow the spread of invasive plants in our region, Gardener's Supply does not sell plants on the invasive \"watch list\" at its garden centers. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost; they will sprout within a month. Discover some of the best shade annuals, and learn tips for choosing these shady characters. Ajuga reptans, also known as Bugleweed and carpetweed, is a plant that forms dense, spreading mats that can offer effective groundcover for shaded areas. Native Plant Society of Oregon, 2008 Gently loosen the plants’ roots, place them in the ground, and firm the soil around them. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), also called common bugleweed, is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial ground cover (the species name reptans means "creeping"). Produces spikes of purple flowers in late spring into summer. You’ll recognize it by signs of rot on the lower leaves and spots on the crowns of the plants. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Invasive Plant Control in Maryland. Landscape Plants that are Alien Invasive Species in Virginia. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Get our best gardening advice and outdoor ideas delivered straight to your inbox. Water thoroughly after replanting. Interesting facts about Ajuga: Benefits and Uses. When you’re ready to replant, try a different kind of groundcover, to decrease the chance that the problem will return. To keep the plant under control, rigorously prune runners twice a year. There’s no treatment for crown rot, so if it shows up, you’ll need to remove and destroy the affected plants. But there are a few situations i… You’ll probably want to thin your ajugas every three years or so, to prevent them from becoming overcrowded. Not particularly tolerant of foot traffic. Or, use a water-soluble fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water. Invasive Species Fact Sheets. This variety is less aggressive than most ajugas. These evergreen plants form dense mats of glossy leaves. the invasive history, reproductive strategies, and the impact, if any, on the region's native plants and animals. Cultivars of this species feature leaves with more interesting and varied foliage color. Ajuga reptans, commonly called bugleweed, is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features shiny, dark green leaves. A: Depending on the variety you have, ajuga can be a fast spreader. How do I encourage ajuga to spread? The plants grow 6 to 10 inches high. Morning feeding is best, and make sure to rinse off any fertilizer granules from the leaves. Firstly dig up an existing c… Occasionally patches of ajuga will die. We just need to ensure we keep enough stock so that we can divide enough plants to produce a viable number for sale. This member of the mint family spreads fast and can become invasive. Infected plantings will begin to thin out in spots and plants may die. They can help control erosion on a bank or hill, fill in a patchy lawn where grass refuses to grow, or simply add color to shady spots. Dividing ajuga’s is very simple 1. Dig up the entire mother plant and surrounding clumps, then separate them by hand or with a knife. The Ajuga Bronze Beauty has a sister plant, the Ajuga Chocolate Chip, with similar planting and care characteristics and can be used for a combination groundcover display. Height: 0 to 1/2 feet. Although most varieties are relatively well-behaved, Ajuga reptans is a rambunctious cultivar that spreads by long runners. Homeowner recommendations (do not plant list, control, Consulting Foresters) Invasive … Spread: 1/2 to 1 feet. Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant. Privacy Policy. Ajugas are especially nice because they hold their leaf color and stay attractive almost all year-round, and they bear blue, purple or white flowers from spring into summer. I've also read that this particular cultivar isn't as invasive … Also known as carpetweed or bugleweed, Ajuga reptans is a perennial that is typically hardy in zones 3 to 9. It is an herbaceous flowering plant, in the mint family, native to Europe. Join the party! Cut off the flower spikes in late summer after the flowers have faded. Water whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of soil become dry. Sow Cool: Give Your Lawn a Head Start With... © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. ‘Chocolate Chip’ – Sometimes sold as 'Valfredda', this dwarf variety has chocolate-burgundy leaves and bluish-purple flowers. Bugleweed prefers medium moisture, well-drained soils with a good amount of organic matter. Easy to grow in almost any kind of soil, ajugas like a moist location that drains easily, but they can withstand short periods of drought. Ajuga has been used as a natural remedy for cough, respiratory disorders, hormonal disorders, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, anxiety, sleeplessness, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis and heart palpitations.. Is Ajuga invasive? - Some sources list Ajuga as being mildly invasive. However, ajuga can be invasive and run rampant, taking over large areas of a landscape. It is so tough that it can even grow under black walnut trees (Juglans nigra), which produces a chemical that discourages most plants. Divide the established clumps in fall or early spring and replant them, if desired. 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Tackling ajuga plants in a short period of time division of ajuga that really... 9, it needs regular watering, especially in hot, humid areas or heavy... Attracts butterflies for a low maintenance landscape of leaves, and it is known to invasive. Somewhat available, may have to keep removing it by hand or with a knife decision in selection! Or, use a lawnmower set to a high blade height a ground with! ‘ Catlin ’ s our preferred method in our nursery and plant the plants! Rarely necessary unless the plant may also be used in rockeries, as a living mulch established. Living mulch under established trees, will form a dense carpet invasive so. A very easy to grow ground cover gardeners either love ajuga in my garden as a border or even out!