Ajuga Feathered Friends™ Tropical Toucan (Carpet Bugle)

Ajuga Feathered Friends™ 'Tropical Toucan' (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous evergreen perennial prized for its large, brilliant gold leaves, which quickly form a dense carpet of attractive rosettes. In spring and summer, the foliage is topped with pretty cobalt-blue flower spikes. Carpet Bugle is valued as a wonderful spreader making a colorful groundcover that remains attractive most of the year. Thriving in shady areas where grass has difficulty growing, Ajuga plants are great for woodland gardens. Low-maintenance and highly versatile, their great foliage colors make them perfect for planting under trees or shrubs, or on banks or slopes. While a dense mat will help suppress weeds, avoid planting near perennial beds or lawns where its spreading nature could pose removal problems.

• Grows up to 4-6 in. tall (10-15 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• A part shade to full shade lover, it thrives in average, medium, well-drained soils and tolerates almost any soils provided they are moist and humusy. Will tolerate full sun in cooler areas if constant moisture is provided.
• Provide good air circulation to avoid crown root problems.
• A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: groundcovers, on banks or slopes, under trees or shrubs.
• Propagate by division, separating rooted stems.
• Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildews. This plant is rabbit and deer resistant.
• May be mowed after flowering in order to get rid of the spent flower spikes and clean up the planting.
• If it becomes too crowded, causing the plant to lose its vigor, lift the runners and divide them.