About
Ajuga pyramidalis 'Metallica Crispa Purpurea' is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that gradually spreads to form a dense mat. Its foliage showcases a bronze-purple hue, which deepens to nearly black during the winter months. In spring and continuing into summer, it produces short spikes adorned with blue flowers. This plant is well-suited for use in containers, troughs, rock gardens, or locations that receive partial shade.
About the genus
Ajuga primarily consists of spreading, rhizomatous perennials that feature appealing evergreen leaves, with annuals being a rare occurrence. The plants produce whorled, two-lipped flowers that cluster in short spikes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in a moist but well drained soil in part sun to full shade. Will tolerate almost any soil as long it is moist and rich in humus. Will scorch in full sun. Excellent for ground cover, spreads slowly
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in late Autumn or early Spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to powdery mildews