Ajuga reptans

Blue flower spikes in May here in zone 3. Fast spreading, forms dense mats of leaves. Not that difficult to uproot if it spreads too much, but is what I would call an invasive plant. Not surprisingly, given its invasive nature, Ajuga is a member of the Mint family.

There are named varieties of Ajuga reptans that have more interesting foliage: some have a mixture of purples, reds, and cream. Other varieties have some dark brown colour to their leaves. The generic variety shown here does have pretty good blue colouring to its flowers, however.

We used to grow these in shady sites, usually under shrubs and other out of the way places. Now are giving them more sun and they seem to do just as well, maybe even better than in heavy shade.

Hardy to zone 3.  

Glen's score:  6.

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