Metallica Ajuga Plant

Metallica Ajuga Plant has very tight, crisp-leafed, crinkled bronzy-purple foliage with a greenish-brown shine. Known to attract butterflies, this wonderfully colored Bugleweed is excellent for shady, moist areas and will also tolerate a little more sun than most ajuga plants. Metallica features 8-inch spikes with dark blue flowers and thrives in rocky areas, under trees, and in poor soils. The Metallica Bugleweed is one of the more aggressive varieties of Ajuga.

Our Ajuga (Bugleweed) Plants are grown with care, free from harmful pesticides, making them a safe and attractive ground cover for your garden. Guaranteed to arrive healthy and ready to thrive!

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in spring or fall for optimal root establishment
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for spreading growth

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0
• - Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types, including clay

Watering Specifics:

• - Water thoroughly when first planted, keeping the soil evenly moist
• - Once established, Ajuga is drought-tolerant but prefers regular watering during dry periods

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a light, balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth
• - Avoid heavy fertilization, as Ajuga spreads easily even in lean soils

Pruning and Training:

• - Trim back flower spikes after blooming to maintain a tidy appearance
• - Remove any runners as needed to control spread if Ajuga becomes too aggressive

Additional Pest Management:

• - Ajuga is generally pest-resistant but may attract slugs in damp conditions
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent crown rot in humid or overly moist environments

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms in mid-spring with spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers that rise above the foliage

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 3-10, tolerates heat and cold once established

Companion Plants for Ajuga:

• - Hosta: Complements Ajuga’s spreading habit with bold, broad foliage
• - Ferns: Adds delicate, arching fronds that pair well with Ajuga’s ground-covering nature
• - Heuchera: Offers colorful foliage that contrasts beautifully with Ajuga’s low-growing leaves
• - Astilbe: Provides feathery plumes that rise above Ajuga’s compact foliage
• - Brunnera: Adds heart-shaped leaves that pair well with Ajuga’s low-growing, spreading habit