There is some kind of Ajuga wilt and my tri colored one (sorry, I can't think of the cultivar name this morning) loses a lot of foliage every year. But 'Chocolate Chip' which is a very small-leafed cultivar is never bothered. If you are using big leafed ones, you don't have 'Chocolate Chip'.

Hi,

They do need some extra water depending how much the soil dries out in summer. It has been a dry one in lots of places. Mine are in clay, I water every other day in summer because it dries out so fast. They will begin to die back otherwise.

Jen

It's a pretty tough and adaptable plant but is prone to crown rot in humid or crowded conditions. It is also not very tolerant of extreme heat or dryness (I would not consider it drought tolerant) and you will experience dieback if exposed to these conditions. Ideally, it should receive at least part shade and prefers fertile, moisture retentive but well-draining soil and even watering, although its been known to tolerate heavier, clay soils.

Hi Westy,

I have several varieties and they are in all parts of the garden, but mostly in sun. The only one I've had a problem with is the small leaved 'Chocolate Chips' ajuga. Now that we've had some rain for a while it's been looking good and even spreading a little (it's in part shade). I don't water my ajugas at all, and they've been ok even through the worst hot days of summer and my gardens are on the dry side. The only ones I will water for a couple of days are any that I transplant to another part of the garden until they root, and if they start to wilt I'll just water it a little and they perk right up.

If you want to try another variety, 'Bronze Beauty' is probably the toughest in my garden, and spreads quickly too, in both part shade and full sun.

*Maria*

Thanks for the tips and help, everyone. I thought this was practically a weed in terms of ease, but I guess it ain't so! When I lived in Columbus, OH I had it everywhere and had absolutely no problems - I didn't even pay attention to it! I do have the bigger one - newer giant variety - I think I'll go back and get Bronze Beauty if it's tougher. I love the color of this foliage and especially the blue flowers in Spring and I'm sick of losing it! Mine are in 1/2 day sun. I think I'll also ask the nursery people what would help in case they have some kind of rot or blight.

Westy

Just a note about A. 'Bronze Beauty'. We had the worse melt out w/ that cultivar. We found A. 'Caitlin's Giant' to be a much healthier plant. Of course, I am in a totally different zone that you so your mileage may vary.