Ajuga, commonly known as bugleweed, grows well in both sunny and partly shaded areas. It thrives in acidic soil and can take hold in spots where roots and rocks get in the way for other plants. Ajuga resists deer and bunnies, and it can maintain its foliage even under light coverings of snow. Major foot traffic should be avoided, but some minor trampling will not bother the spoon-shaped leaves of the plant. Fertilizing and careful watering schedules are not needed, especially once the plants have had time to settle in.

For the lasting color Ajuga provides across the seasons, you'd suspect it might be hard to grow. And yet it grows with ease in acidic soils, offering mats of colorful spoon-shaped foliage that take hold even under pines. In spring, flower spikes appear. In the Feathered Friends™ series, the colors mirror those of some of the most beautiful birds of the world. This newest addition to that series, Raspberry Wren, blooms in berry pink atop sunny foliage. Make a home for this "wren" in your yard, and it will spread and look great even in harsh conditions.

For more information please see our article on choosing, locating, planting and maintaining ground cover plants.