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    • Ajuga

    ajuga-r.-black-scallop-30-ct-flat.jpg

    Ajuga (Bugleweed) is a low-maintenance ground cover that thrives in sun or shade and is adaptable to various soil conditions. Its dense mat of foliage makes it an excellent choice for erosion control and weed suppression. In spring, Ajuga bursts with colorful spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers.

    • Ajuga r Catlins Giant 3.5 inch pot Ajuga r Catlins Giant 3.5 inch pot

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r 'Catlin's Giant' (3.5 inch pot)

      Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: 'Catlin's Giant' Bugleweed Height: 5-7 Inches Spread: 18-24 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4-8 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen to Semi-evergreen Large, Bronze Purple...

      $4.44
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    • Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty 18ct Flat Ajuga reptans Bronze Beauty 18ct Flat

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r. 'Bronze Beauty' (18)ct Flat

      Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty' a/k/a Carpenter's Herb, Comfrey, Creeping Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, SicklewortZone 4 to 9, Partial sun (morning only) to full shade.Mature foliage height 3 to 4 inch; low spreading groundcover. Glossy bronze, medium...

      $94.56
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    • Ajuga r Burgundy Glow 3.5 inch pot Ajuga r Burgundy Glow 3.5 inch pot

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r. 'Burgundy Glow' (3.5 inch pot)

      Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: Burgundy Glow Bugleweed Height: 3-4 Inches Spread: 18-24 Inches Hardiness Zone: 3-9 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen to Semi-evergreen Tri-color foliage - green,...

      $4.44
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    • Ajuga Chocolate Chip 3.5 inch pot Ajuga Chocolate Chip 3.5 inch pot

      Ajuga

      Ajuga r. 'Chocolate Chip' (3.5 inch pot)

      Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip' (3.5-inch pot)Common Name: 'Chocolate Chip' Bugleweed Height: 2 Inches Spread: 6-8 Inches Hardiness Zone: 4-9 Sun to Shade Part Shade is preferred in Hot Summer Zones Evergreen to Semi-evergreen Small and elongated,...

      $4.44
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    Key Features:

    • Versatile Growth: Thrives in sun or shade, and tolerates most soil types as long as it's well-drained.
    • Attractive Foliage: Displays vibrant, year-round foliage.
    • Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and is resistant to deer and rabbits.
    • Versatile Use: Ideal for ground covers, borders, rock gardens, and containers.
    • Beneficial for Wildlife: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

    Planting and Care:

    • Planting: Set plants 12 inches apart in spring. Provide partial to full shade or constant moisture in full sun.
    • Soil: Well-drained soil is essential. Add compost or sand to improve heavy soils.
    • Watering: Keep moderately moist, especially during dry periods. Mulch in winter to protect roots.
    • Maintenance: Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance.

    Additional Information:

    • Growth Habit: Evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial ground cover.
    • Flowers: Small clusters of purple flowers appear in mid to late spring.
    • Propagation: Divide plants or propagate by seed.
    • Potential Issues: Crown rot in humid conditions and heavy soils. Invasive in some regions.

    Ajuga reptans Common Names: Ajuga, Blue Bugle, Bugleherb, Bugleweed, Bugle Weed, Carpet Bugle

    Ajuga reptans Phonetic Spelling ah-JOO-gah REP-tans

    Ajuga FAQ

    Common Name(s): Ajuga, Blue Bugle, Bugle herb, Bugleweed, Bugle Weed, Carpet Bugle

    Phonetic Spelling - ah-JOO-gah REP-tans

    Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a low-growing, perennial ground cover that thrives in moist, shady areas. It's known for its dense, mat-like growth and attractive purple flowers that bloom in spring. This versatile plant is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia and is a popular choice for gardens due to its ease of care and adaptability to various light conditions.

    Key features and benefits:

    • Low-maintenance: Thrives with minimal care once established.
    • Adaptable: Tolerates a wide range of light levels.
    • Dense growth: Helps suppress weeds and erosion.
    • Attractive flowers: Showy purple blooms in spring.
    • Deer-resistant: Safe from browsing.

    Planting and care:

    • Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
    • Light: Can tolerate full sun to shade.
    • Spacing: Plant 6-12 inches apart.
    • Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods.
    • Propagation: Divide plants in spring or fall or sow seeds.

    Common problems and solutions:

    • Crown rot: Avoid heavy soils and excessive moisture.
    • Invasive potential: May be invasive in some regions; monitor growth and spread.
    • Diseases: Some cultivars are resistant to phytophthora, leaf spot, and fusarium wilt.

    Additional tips:

    • Consider bugleweed for naturalized areas, slopes, and woodland gardens.
    • Avoid planting near perennial beds or lawns due to its spreading nature.
    • Monitor plants for signs of disease and take appropriate action.
    • Artic Fox: Striking green leaves, dark purple flowers
    • Atropurpurea: glossy, bronze-purple leaves
    • 'Black Scallop': dark maroon leaves, fragrant, compact
    • 'Bronze Beauty' : 2-4" tall, dark foliage
    • 'Burgundy Glow': Tricolored foliage, blue flowers. Good resistance to phytophthora, stem rot, aerial blight.
    • 'Catlins Giant': Bronze-green foliage, blue flowers on 8" spikes. Good resistance to fusarium wilt.
    • 'Chocolate Chip:' Flowers , Chocolate brown leaves
    • 'Dixie Chip': variegated tri-colored foliage
    • 'Jungle Beauty': 'Mahogany' leaves turn deep mahogany
    • 'Metallica Crispa': 'Pink Lightning'
    • Purple Brocade: thick purplish leaves with a brocaded texture
    • Purple Torch: lavender torch-like flower spikes
    • 'Rubra': Silver Beauty gray-green leaves, creamy white margins
    • Toffee Chip: variegated foliage and dwarf size
    • 'Variegata'
      • Genus: Ajuga
      • Species: reptans
      • Family: Lamiaceae

      Perennial

      • Recommended Propagation: Division, Seed
      • Region Of Origin: Europe, northern Africa, southwestern Asia
      • Wildlife Value: Attracts bumblebees, hummingbirds and songbirds.
      • Sandy soil, clay soil; resistant to damage by deer. Some cultivars show good resistance to phytophthora and fusarium wilt.

       

    • Dimensions:

      • Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
      • Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.

      Ground Cover Perennial

      • Broadleaf Semi-evergreen
      • Habit/Form: Creeping, Dense, Horizontal, Spreading
      • Growth Rate: Rapid
      • Cultural Conditions:
      • Deep shade to Full sun
      • Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand
      • Soil pH: Acid (<6.0)
      • Soil Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Wet
      • Space To Plant: Less than 12 inches

    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

    • Flower Color: Blue, Purple/Lavender, White
    • Flower Inflorescence: Spike
    • Showy
    • Flower Bloom Time: Spring - Summer
    • Flower Shape: Lipped, Tubular
    • Flower Size: 3-6 inches

    Flower Description: Showy blue-violet flowers in early spring through summer on 4 to 6 in. erect spikes. Flowers are dense along the spike.

    • Glossy, medium green, 3 to 4 in.-long, oval-shaped leaves in tight rosettes. Whorled, simple, spatulate, irregularly toothed, glabrous; green, silver, bronze or purple; form basal rosette. Basal leaves are 3" long and 1" across, obovate, crenate. Opposite leaves along the stalk are similar to the basal leaves, except that they are smaller in size and ovate.

      • Broadleaf Evergreen
      • Semi-evergreen
      • Leaf Color: Gray/Silver, Green, Purple/Lavender
      • Leaf Length: 3-6 inches

    Attracts: Bees, Hummingbirds, Songbirds

    Resistance To: Black Walnut, Deer, Foot Traffic, Rabbits

    Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, carpet bugle, or just bugle, is a genus of low-growing, herbaceous flowering plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Here is a snapshot of Ajuga:

    Appearance:

    • ·Growth habit: Sprawling perennial with creeping stems and rosettes of leaves.
    • ·Leaves: Deep green, oval-shaped leaves with rounded teeth. Some varieties have variegated foliage.
    • ·Flowers: Spikes of tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. They bloom typically in spring and early summer.
    • ·Height: Typically grows 4-8 inches tall, but some varieties can reach up to fourteen inches.

    Uses:

    • ·Ground cover: Ajuga is popular as a ground cover due to its dense, spreading growth habit and tolerance for shade and sun. It helps suppress weeds and prevent erosion.
    • ·Rock gardens: Ajuga's compact size and attractive foliage make it an excellent choice for rock gardens.
    • ·Borders and edging: Ajuga can be used to create edging for flower beds and pathways.

    Benefits:

    • ·Minimal maintenance: Ajuga is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
    • ·Pollinator attractor: Ajuga's flowers attract bees and butterflies.
    • ·Evergreen: Some varieties of Ajuga are evergreen, providing year-round interest in your garden.

    Things to keep in mind:

    • ·Ajuga can be invasive in some areas, so it is important to check with your local nursery before planting.
    • ·Ajuga prefers well-drained soil and may not thrive in constantly wet conditions.

    Overall, Ajuga is a versatile and attractive plant that is perfect for a variety of garden uses. Its low-maintenance nature and tolerance for diverse conditions make it a smart choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners.

    Planting Ajuga, your new ground cover champion, is not a complicated process but knowing the steps makes it even smoother and sets your green friends up for success. Here is how to do it right:

    Timing:

    • ·Spring: Ideal in most regions, after the last frost for optimal establishment before winter stress.
    • ·Autumn: Possible in warmer climates with mild winters but ensure planting early enough for them to root before significant freezing.

    Location and soil:

    • ·Light: Ajuga appreciates versatility! Aim for full sun in cooler climates, partial shade in hotter areas.
    • ·Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. Amend heavy clay with compost, sand, or perlite for improved drainage. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.

    Planting process:

    • ·Prepare the soil: Loosen the soil in the planting area about 6-8 inches deep. Remove any weeds or debris.
    • ·Space your plants: Maintain adequate spacing based on variety. Common types like Ajuga reptans need around 8-10 inches between plants, while smaller varieties might require only 4-6 inches.
    • ·Dig holes: Make holes slightly larger than the root balls of your Ajuga plants.
    • ·Place and plant: Gently remove the plants from their pots, loosen the roots slightly, and position them in the holes. Fill the holes with soil and firm gently.
    • ·Water: Water deeply to settle the soil and thoroughly hydrate your newly planted Ajuga.

    Post-planting care:

    • ·Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first year and hot weather, maintaining moist soil but avoiding waterlogging.
    • ·Mulching (optional): Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
    • ·Fertilizing: Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season can be beneficial, but avoid over-fertilizing.
    • ·Deadheading: Removing spent blooms encourages further flowering and prolongs the season. Pinch off the flower stalks once blooming ends.

    Bonus tips:

    • ·Choose disease-resistant varieties suited to your local climate.
    • ·Ajuga readily spreads. Monitor its growth and divide clumps if they become overcrowded.
    • ·Enjoy the attractive foliage and vibrant blooms while attracting helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies!
    • With these simple steps and a little patience, your Ajuga will soon form a lush and colorful carpet, adding an attractive and low-maintenance element to your garden. Happy planting!

    Here is how to keep your Ajuga happy and thriving:

    Sun and Soil:

    • ·Light: Ajuga is adaptable! Aim for full sun in cooler climates, offering at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter regions, partial shade during the afternoon heat provides extra comfort.
    • ·Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. Heavy clay does not scare Ajuga, just amend it with compost, sand, or perlite to prevent waterlogging. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal.

    Watering and Mulching:

    • ·Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first year and hot weather, maintaining moist soil but avoiding soggy conditions. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
    • ·Mulching (optional): A thin layer of organic mulch around the base helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Choose a natural mulch like wood chips or shredded bark.

    Feeding and Deadheading:

    • ·Fertilizing: Light feeding with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season can be beneficial but avoid overdoing it. Ajuga thrives with minimal nutrients.
    • ·Deadheading: Removing spent flower stalks encourages further blooming and prolongs the season. Simply pinch off the flower clusters once blooming ends.

    Additional Tips:

    • ·Choose disease-resistant varieties suited to your local climate.
    • ·Ajuga readily spreads! Monitor its growth and divide clumps if they become too dense or encroach on other areas. You can share these divisions with friends or add them to other parts of your garden.
    • ·Enjoy the attractive foliage and vibrant blooms while attracting helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies!
    • Ajuga's low maintenance nature makes it ideal for edging along walks and pathways, filling in small spaces, or adding a lush carpet beneath taller plants.

    With these simple steps, your Ajuga will reward you with a thriving ground cover, bursting with color and texture. Remember, less is often more with these low-maintenance beauties! Happy Ajuga-ing!

    Ajuga plants are delightful magnets for a diverse parade of pollinators, adding life and buzz to your garden beyond their own captivating presence! Here is why they hold a special charm for our winged friends:

    • ·Ajuga boasts impressive nectar production, offering a delicious reward for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.
    • ·Their vibrant blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white act as beacons, attracting pollinators with their visual cues.
    • ·The small, tubular flowers are perfectly sized and accessible for a variety of pollinators, from tiny bumblebees to long-tongued butterflies.
    • ·Honeybees adore Ajuga, especially varieties with dense flower clusters brimming with nectar.
    • ·Delicate butterflies like Skippers and Swallowtails find refuge and nourishment in Ajuga's blooms.
    • ·Larger bumblebees appreciate the easy access to nectar offered by Ajuga's open flower forms.
    • ·As pollinators flit from flower to flower, they transfer pollen, ensuring the reproduction of these vibrant plants.
    • ·Attracting pollinators creates a thriving ecosystem, benefiting other plants and the overall health of your garden.

    Tips for a Pollinator Paradise:

    • ·Plant a variety of Ajuga: Choose varieties with different bloom times to provide a continuous feast for pollinators throughout the season.
    • ·Combine Ajuga with other pollinator-friendly plants: Create a haven with lavender, coneflowers, zinnias, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
    • ·Avoid pesticides: Opt for natural pest control methods to ensure a safe haven for pollinators.
    • Let Ajuga bloom freely: Resist the urge to deadhead too aggressively, as spent flowers still hold some nectar and provide pollen for late-arriving pollinators.

    So, open your garden to the wonders of Ajuga! Let their charming blooms become a buzzing canvas, attracting a symphony of pollinators and enriching your outdoor space with life, color, and the joy of nature's delicate balance. Remember, your Ajuga is not just a stunning ground cover; it is also a vibrant ambassador for our interconnected ecosystem, and with a little care, you can turn your garden into a haven for these vital pollinators. Happy pollinator paradise creation!

    While Ajuga is a low-maintenance and resilient ground cover, it is still not immune to the occasional pest or disease. Here is a quick rundown of some potential threats to keep an eye out for:

    Pests:

    • ·Aphids: These tiny sapsuckers can cause wilting and distorted leaves. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control an infestation.
    • ·Slugs and Snails: These slimy creatures munch on young leaves and seedlings. Physical barriers, diatomaceous earth, or beer traps can deter them.
    • ·Crown borers: These larvae tunnel into the crowns of Ajuga plants, causing wilting and eventual death. Unfortunately, there is no easy control method for crown borers. Removing and destroying affected plants and surrounding soil is often the best course of action.

    Diseases:

    • ·Crown rot: This fungal disease thrives in wet conditions and causes wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent Crown rot. Fungicides can be used in severe cases.
    • ·Leaf spots: Fungal or bacterial leaf spots appear as brown or black spots on leaves. Remove affected leaves and practice good sanitation to prevent spread.
    • ·Powdery mildew: This fungal disease creates a white powdery coating on leaves, stunting growth and reducing photosynthesis. Fungicides can help control powdery mildew, but good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering are key to prevention.

    Remember:

    • ·Early detection and prompt action are crucial in managing pests and diseases. Regularly inspect your Ajuga plants for any signs of trouble.
    • ·Choose disease-resistant varieties suited to your local climate.
    • ·Provide proper care, including good drainage, adequate sunlight, and avoiding overwatering, to create a healthy environment that discourages pests and diseases.
    • ·Monitor the population of natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, as they can help control pest populations organically.

    With a little vigilance and proactive care, you can keep your Ajuga thriving and ensure it continues to bring vibrant beauty and pollinator-friendly charm to your garden. Happy Ajuga-ing!

    Ajuga, despite being primarily appreciated as a ground cover, can add surprising charm and versatility to your floral arrangements. Here is how you can embrace its unique beauty:

    Adding Texture and Contrast:

    • ·Foliage Focus: Ajuga's lush, diverse foliage is a treasure trove of textures and colors. Use its glossy green leaves, bronze-tinted varieties like Chocolate Chip, or even the stunning variegated Rainbow Carpet to add depth and contrast to your arrangements.
    • ·Unexpected Dimension: While Ajuga flowers are small, their spikes can add unexpected height and dimension to your creations. Pair them with taller blooms like lilies or gladiolus for a dynamic effect.

    Highlighting Complements:

    • ·Color Harmony: Ajuga's blue and purple blooms can beautifully complement complementary colors like yellows, oranges, and pinks. Try combining them with sunflowers, daisies, or roses for a vibrant contrast.
    • ·Monochrome Magic: Do not underestimate the power of monochrome! Use various shades of Ajuga foliage, from deep green to silvery-gray, to create stunning monochromatic arrangements with a natural, understated elegance.

    Tips for Ajuga in Arrangements:

    • ·Harvest with care: Choose healthy leaves and flower spikes and cut them at an angle just above a node.
    • ·Prepare for longevity: Submerge the stems in water for at least an hour before using them in your arrangement. Consider using floral preservatives to prolong their beauty.
    • ·Get creative with placement: Experiment with different placements of Ajuga leaves and flower spikes. Tuck them in among other flowers, let them spill gracefully from the edges, or create interesting focal points with their unique structure.
    • ·Embrace the unexpected: Do not be afraid to break the mold! Ajuga's versatility allows you to experiment with playful and innovative arrangements. Combine it with unexpected elements like berries, twigs, or even succulents for a touch of the wild.
    • Ajuga adds a touch of the rustic and natural to your arrangements. Embrace its informal charm and let it contribute its unique personality to your floral creations.
    • Be mindful of scale! Ajuga works best in arrangements with other medium-sized or smaller flowers.
    • Consider using Ajuga as a filler or accent element rather than the main focus. Its beauty lies in complementing and enhancing the overall design.

    So, unleash your creativity and let Ajuga's unexpected charm take your floral arrangements to the next level! Happy arranging!

    The invasiveness of Ajuga, unfortunately, is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no answer. It depends on several factors, including the specific variety, the local climate, and the existing ecosystem. Here is a breakdown to help you understand the potential and consider responsible planting:

    Potentially Invasive:

    • ·Certain Varieties: Some Ajuga varieties are known to be more aggressive spreaders than others. Ajuga reptans, for example, can readily form dense mats and potentially encroach on native plants in certain environments.
    • ·Favorable Conditions: Warm climates with mild winters and moist soil provide ideal conditions for Ajuga to spread rapidly, increasing the risk of invasiveness.
    • ·Disturbed Ecosystems: Areas with disrupted native plant communities or open spaces are more susceptible to Ajuga's colonization, potentially displacing native species.

    Not Generally Invasive:

    • ·Limited Spread: Some Ajuga varieties, like Ajuga pyramidalis, tend to be slower-growing and clump-forming, posing less risk of invasiveness.
    • ·Controlled Environments: Proper care, including regular division and monitoring growth, can prevent Ajuga from becoming overly aggressive even in favorable conditions.
    • ·Native Habitat: In its native European habitat, Ajuga is not considered invasive, suggesting responsible planting and care can keep it under control.

    Responsible Planting:

    • ·Research Varietals: Choose Ajuga varieties known to be less aggressive in your region. Native alternatives like Allegheny spurge or wild ginger are even better choices in areas where Ajuga could become invasive.
    • ·Know Your Climate: Consider the local climate and soil conditions when choosing Ajuga. Opt for less invasive varieties in warmer regions or areas with disturbed ecosystems.
    • ·Plant Responsibly: Choose appropriate planting locations and monitor Ajuga's growth. Divide clumps and replant elsewhere to prevent excessive spread.
    • ·Support Native Ecosystems: Prioritize planting native species whenever possible to ensure the health and balance of your local ecosystem.

    By understanding the nuances of Ajuga's potential invasiveness and practicing responsible planting, you can enjoy its beauty while protecting the natural environment. Remember, knowledge, mindful selection, and proper care are key to ensuring Ajuga remains a charming addition to your garden without posing a threat to native biodiversity.

    The best time to divide Ajuga plants depends on your climate and the specific variety you have. Here is a breakdown to help you choose the optimal timing:

    Warm Climates:

    • ·Spring: Ideal after the last frost. This gives the divisions enough time to establish before winter stress.
    • ·Early Summer: Possible in regions with long growing seasons, but ensure they have enough warm weather to root before temperatures drop.
    • ·Autumn: Can be done in mild winters, but plant at least 6-8 weeks before the first frost for successful establishment.

    Cold Climates:

    • ·Early Spring: After the last frost and when the soil is workable. This allows divisions to grow strong before winter.
    • ·Fall: Not ideal in most cold climates, as the shorter growing season may not provide enough time for establishment before winter. Consider a mild autumn only if frosts are very late.

    Specific Varieties:

    • ·Fast-growing Ajuga: Varieties like Common Hollyhock (Ajuga rosea) can be divided twice a year in warm climates.
    • ·Slow-growing Ajuga: Species like Queen Victoria Hollyhock (Ajuga victoriae-reginae) should be divided less often, typically every few years or when overcrowded.

    Other factors to consider:

    • ·Plant health: Divide only healthy, mature Ajuga plants that are actively growing and have produced pups or offsets.
    • ·Blooming period: Avoid dividing plants just before or during blooming, as this can divert energy from flower production and weaken the plant.
    • ·Local weather patterns: Consider any unusual weather patterns or potential extremes in temperature or rainfall that might impact the success of dividing your Ajuga.

    General tips for dividing Ajuga:

    • ·Water the Ajuga plant thoroughly for a few days before dividing.
    • ·Use a sharp knife or spade to carefully separate the pups or offsets from the mother plant.
    • ·Remove any excess soil from the roots of the divisions.
    • ·Plant the divisions in well-draining soil, ensuring the crown sits at or slightly above the soil level.
    • ·Water the newly planted divisions deeply and continue to water regularly until they are established.

    By following these guidelines and choosing the right time for your climate and specific Ajuga variety, you can successfully divide your plants and enjoy their vibrant beauty for years to come. Remember, patience is key, as Ajuga may not reach their full potential in their first year after division. Happy dividing!