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In spring, ajuga bursts forth with spikes of blue, pink, or white flowers. Prefers sandy, well-drained soil, or moist conditions with a good drainage. Tolerates clay or moderately dry areas, but do not allow it to stay too wet or dry.
Good ground cover, great for erosion control; use as a border plant; or in rock gardens and containers; flowers can be very dramatic mass plantings. Thrives under tree and shrub canopies or along edges of shaded borders. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, and deer resistant. Member of the mint family, used as a medicinal primeval wound coagulant.
PLANTING: Set out plants in the spring, 12 inches apart in part shade/sun. That the soil be well-drained is Ajuga's most important requirement; if necessary, add compost and coarse sand to heavy soils to lighten and improve drainage.
MAINTENANCE: Keep soil moderately moist, watering to a depth of 6 inches during periods of drought. Mulch in winter without covering the tops of the plants: this will prevent damage to the shallow roots from alternate freezes and thaws.
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