Gosh, I find this plant difficult to kill ... okay, I mean very easy to grow! A friend has several different varieties thriving in her zone 2 garden, maybe reliable snow cover is what makes the difference?

I've tried and failed with it several times before I had some success. I think it needs good moisture and good snow cover to help it survive. Last year I worried that it would take over the garden bed it was planted in but there was a lot of winter kill this year so it won't be an issue I don't think. I have two varieties: Black Scallop and an unnamed one I got from a plant sale. The Black Scallop has been much less vigorous in its growth.

I've grown it and it died on me too. I have a friend in the city who grows it successfully. I also know someone who grows those mop-head hydrangeas in Saskatoon! I'm thinking some individual plants are hardier than others, and that microclimates have a huge impact on success rate.

I've tried several times with no luck. I also assumed it just wasn't hardy.

They do not tolerate sun. They are a shade plant. Otherwise they burn to a crisp.

Also only certain cultivars are hardy here.

Seems to be so many variables with this plant, my friend that's having success with them in her zone 2 has them in full sun with a spruce shelterbelt that makes the area blazing hot. We both have silty soil, so maybe this is also a factor.

The ajuga I had grew like a weed, I had so much I divided it, any that were in full sun died. It was some kind of purple ajuga, I think it was 'Atropurpurea'. I also tried 'Chocolate Chip' a few times but it never overwintered.

OK, so I am glad that I am not the only one having trouble with these ajugas! LOL! I am wondering what to replace it with now.... what else would have that creeping habit, with colourful foliage and also bright and vibrant flowers too!? Wow, I am not asking for a lot, am I!? LOL Anyway, seriously, your advice would be much appreciated!

Variegated periwinkle, variegated lamiums, creeping phlox, variegated thyme, creeping veronica, creeping jenny (buy this one in the cheaper annuals section - it's the same!). All should do fine. My favourite spreader is sweet woodruff because the flowers bloom super early, super long and are fragrant. I also have some ivy that's actually been surviving (just the common ivy).

Two years ago, I had super admired this ajuga at a friends place in zone 2 and was gifted a plant, the thing had totally shrugged off this summers intense dryness and heat. I LOVE the colors!