Will Ajuga Mahogany or creeping thyme grow in full shade?

11 years ago

Looking to
fill in a strip adjoining a hosta garden, that I don’t want to mow (plus grass
won’t grow any more, as it’s too shady). I have both plants elsewhere, but
those are in sun for 3/4s of the day. The Ajuga Mahogany is always trying to spread
and root into the lawn anyway, so I might as will pull up those runners and
make use of them.

I don’t recall the name of the thyme: but not
wooly or lemon. It has tiny pink flowers. it's some very common type. I’d buy a flat of that if it would
work much better than the Ajuga.

The Ajuga has the foliage color I’d like if
only it will grow in shade. I don’t care if either bloom in this location. Just
need to cover the dirt and have something I can walk on to tend the main bed. Both have been tolerant of occasional walking in the other locations. Thanks!

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Comments (5)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH
11 years ago
I have wooly thyme under a lilac in shade, and it is still alive, but a bit sparse. Look into Veronica 'Georgia Blue' to fill in the area. It will bloom in shade, and will weave around the hosta where ever there is room. Another possibility is Astilbe chinensis which spreads in shade in my garden.
diggerdee zone 6 CT
11 years ago
linnea, I have some ajuga in some pretty shady spots; I'd say full but pretty bright shade. Unfortunately I don't know what kind it is, as I got it at a swap, but it has dark green and burgundy-ish colored leaves. I don't know if that is any help to you. I think if you are pulling it up out of the lawn you might as well try planting it in the shade and seeing how it does.

Sorry, can't help you with the thyme question. Good luck!
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linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I actually have a Georgia Blue elsewhere, in mixed sun / shade, so I’m familiar with its
appearance. Can it tolerate being stepped on, though?

That reminds me, I have a couple of quart sized creeping veronicas that are not
yet planted. I can’t get outside to read the tags now, but it has very small
leaves, looks like it has a very ground hugging form. Some variety of Veronica
Repens. I had not thought of Veronicas and shade before. How about those as a
candidate?
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
11 years ago
Thyme is not suitable for full shade. Like most herbs of Mediterranean origin, it prefers full sun and well draining soil. It will tolerate light or dappled shade but will tend to be sparse in foliage and not bloom well.

Ajuga will tolerate full shade well, as long as enough moisture is present in the soil. But it will tend not to bloom very well in a lot of shade.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
as usual.. defining shade in your micro climate.. is near impossible in words.. and i even doubt a pic would help ...

you have to simple try different things in the spot.. and find out what would THRIVE there ...

and some times it takes a few year to figure out what lives up to your expectations ... few things outright die in shade... they just dont accomplish what we hope ...

i think i have one thyme out back.. in near all day shade ... rather bright at times ... but i have no clue which it is ... but i will try to look for it.. in the mess the dogs i didnt want.. made of my former back garden ... and see if it is still there with all the abject neglect ...

ken