Ajuga reptans

A low-growing, evergreen perennial.

A great mat-forming perennial with dark green, obovate leaves producing erect spikes consisting of six or more rings of dark blue flowers in late spring and early summer.

Performs well in sun and shade, although it may scorch in particularly hot sites. It will also tolerate poor soils.

Ground cover plants respond to fertile soil. Thorough site preparation will ensure healthy plant growth and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Eradicate all weeds and incorporate organic matter into the top layer of the soil before planting. Autumn is the best time for planting, as the soil is moist. At planting, apply a light application (one handful per square metre) of general-purpose fertiliser, such as blood and bone. A generous layer of fine bark mulch will conserve moisture and prevent weeds. When planting on steep banks, it is best to cover the area in a biodegradable weed mat (e.g. a wool-based product or wet newspapers) and plant through it. These will eventually decompose as the ground covers will grow into each other.

Feed annually in spring with a balanced fertiliser, such as blood and bone, at a handful per square metre. Most plants require some grooming and pruning to keep them looking good. Perennial ground covers are best divided every 4 - 5 years to rejuvenate them. Propagation by division is easy; just lift and separate off small rosettes of growth that have rooted stems. Once established, you can quickly and easily bulk up plant numbers.

The flowers are adapted for bee pollination, with lipped petals and nectar available at the base of the long, tube-like corolla.

May suffer from powdery mildew.

Easily combined with other border plants or woodland plantings.

Urban trees