Ajuga ground cover - Ask Extension
If I plant ajuga as a ground cover will it negatively affect arborvitae, boxwood and azaleas already planted in that area? I’m looking for a groundc...
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Ajuga ground cover #844965
Asked August 09, 2023, 4:22 PM EDT
If I plant ajuga as a ground cover will it negatively affect arborvitae, boxwood and azaleas already planted in that area? I’m looking for a groundcover to prevent weeds and the wild violets encroaching from neighbor’s yard. I like the way this ajuga looks and the very tight/compact root structure seems to provide a no maintenance
solution that’s important to me at this rental property.. I want to make sure ajuga will not overtake existing plantings. Also there is a drip hose irrigation system to consider that is zig zagging between the row of 25 arbs. Thanks for your expert advice.
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Ajuga ground cover is a great plant, and it mingles well with other plants. There is no concern about it overtaking your other plantings. It does spread by runners, and you might need to pull out the runners that end up where you don’t want them. But ajuga has shallow toots, and that shouldn’t be difficult to do.
However, I would be concerned about the health of the ajuga planted in your described area. Ajuga tends to develop root and crown rot in soils that are wet. Considering the fact that arborvitae require pretty consistent moisture, coupled with the fact that there is actually a drip system around them, your ajuga may not respond well to all that moisture.
And in another note, ajuga will not prevent your neighbor’s wild violets from encroaching into the planting area. Wild violets anre one of the most difficult plants to eradicate. They actually toss their seeds quite a distance from the mother plant, and those seeds will gladly spring up in the midst of your ajuga planting. That would not be a low-maintenance situation.
You may be better off keeping the area heavily mulched. Just a thought.
However, I would be concerned about the health of the ajuga planted in your described area. Ajuga tends to develop root and crown rot in soils that are wet. Considering the fact that arborvitae require pretty consistent moisture, coupled with the fact that there is actually a drip system around them, your ajuga may not respond well to all that moisture.
And in another note, ajuga will not prevent your neighbor’s wild violets from encroaching into the planting area. Wild violets anre one of the most difficult plants to eradicate. They actually toss their seeds quite a distance from the mother plant, and those seeds will gladly spring up in the midst of your ajuga planting. That would not be a low-maintenance situation.
You may be better off keeping the area heavily mulched. Just a thought.
Thank you.
That is wonderful advice.
I appreciate your understanding of the big picture.
This is only the second year for that row of arbs. Can I reduce or possibly eliminate regular watering once they are established?
.
Do you know of any ground cover that will eliminate the creeping violets? English ivy, vinca, pachysandra? I prefer the the green of a ground cover but if mulch is a more practical choice, I could upgrade to the cedar mulch that compacts and is better at preventing weeds.
Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge.
Mickie
Arborvitae needs watering about a couple of times/week until well established. After that, once/week should suffice unless we're having several days of hot dry weather (drought).
I know of no ground cover (not even a thick lawn) that will prevent wild violet from spreading. Sorry. I have the same problem in my gardens. Ajuga is probably your best option if you reduce the moisture in the area somewhat.
I know of no ground cover (not even a thick lawn) that will prevent wild violet from spreading. Sorry. I have the same problem in my gardens. Ajuga is probably your best option if you reduce the moisture in the area somewhat.
