Description

Ajuga is a low growing, ground spreading perennial of indefinite spread with surface runners similar to strawberry plants and making a mat of leafy rosettes. In spring it sends up spikes of deep blue flowers up to 30cm tall and makes attractive ground covers, especially for shady places such as corners of courtyards. Jungle Beauty is a rather different Ajuga which is much larger, spreads more rapidly and has dark green leaves tinged with purple than the typical standard variety.

Cultivation

For best flowering results, Agapanthus prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Plant the rhizome with the fleshy leaf stem just protruding above soil level and 20 to 25cm apart. Water in well at planting time and then only an occasional basis to promote growth. Once established, they can withstand long periods of drought. Remove spent flower stems and dead leaves at the end of winter. Protect them from harbouring snails and slugs which can attack the leaves and other plants in the garden.