About the Ajuga -
Metallica Crispa :
The Ajuga ‘Metallica Crispa’, Ajuga pyramidalis,
is a useful ground cover with short spikes of cobalt
blue flowers. ‘Metallica Crispa’ has very tight,
crisp-leafed crinkled purple foliage, almost
prune-like, with a green-brown shine. The flowers
appear in early spring on 8” spikes with a plant
spread of 12-24”. ‘Metallica Crispa’ is excellent
for shady moist areas but will adapt to a little
more sun than most Ajuga. (The foliage colors will
be more vivid with morning sun.) It prefers moist
soil with a good drainage but will tolerate
moderately dry areas. Do avoid soggy conditions.
Metallica Crispas are best grown in a rocky area
or with other smaller plants (so that it does not
get overwhelmed), under trees or in poor soils.
‘Metallica Crispa’ can be aggressive so don't place
it near lawns without proper edging to prevent
spread, or in borders where spreading is not
desired. Butterflies and hummingbirds are defiantly
attracted to Ajuga, not to mention being deer
resistant and a low allergen. If one is looking for
a perennial ground cover to exceed in a hard to grow
shady area, Ajuga's are the way to go
