If you appreciate ground covers, and really, who doesn’t, you may be familiar with Ajuga (Ajuga reptans), known for its shiny, year-round green foliage and impressive spiky flowers in shades of purple, blue, or white during mid to late spring.
tough groundcover that repels deer and effectively suppresses weed growth
With its lush and tight-knit growth habit, this plant is ideal for covering sloped areas since it aids in stabilizing the soil and reducing erosion. Additionally, it thrives in cooler, shadier locations where many other species struggle to survive. Given these advantages that appeal particularly to active gardeners, you might be pondering whether there’s an attractive companion plant compatible with Ajuga. Fortunately, common thyme—a fragrant herbal option—is known to flourish alongside Ajuga.
Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is one of those low-maintenance garden herbs that makes a good companion for a whole range of different plants, including Ajuga. This lovely plant has much smaller leaves that are more gray-green and dainty flowers in pink, white, or purple. As a side note, remember to take heed that if you’re planning to grow some ground covering Ajuga in your garden, it is regarded as invasive in a number of states including West Virginia, Maryland, and Oregon, so check with your local municipality before planting it in your yard. Unfortunately, it’s one of those
frequent weeds-controlling plants that might turn into pests
in some areas.
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Why Do Ajuga and Thyme Make Excellent Plant Partners?
These two creeping plants remain relatively short, reaching just 1 foot tall. Their compact size makes them ideal choices for covering the ground without overpowering each other. Ajuga thrives in USDA zones 3 to 10, whereas common thyme prefers zones 5 to 9. Therefore, if your gardening zone falls within those ranges, combining these two varieties will create an attractive landscape.
One key advantage of using Ajuga is its ability to thrive in shaded areas; however, it equally flourishes under direct sunlight — crucial for coordinating with thyme, which thrives in sunny conditions. The varying sizes of their leaves produce an appealing visual contrast, enhancing your landscape’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, during spring and summer, your garden will buzz with activity thanks to the flowers attracting numerous pollinators and even hummingbirds drawn to Ajuga’s blooms. Besides serving as a practical solution to suppress weeds due to their dense coverage, planting these together beneath large pavers not only controls unwanted vegetation but also withstands occasional pedestrian use since both plants tolerate minor trampling well. Thyme, being particularly versatile, adds another layer of benefit.
Plants that serve as natural pest control in your outdoor space or garden area
.
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