9 Ajuga Companion Plants (6 Good & 3 Bad)

Today, we’ll delve into the world of ajuga companion plants, exploring six plants that thrive alongside ajuga and three that should be kept at a distance. Understanding these relationships can significantly enhance your garden’s health and aesthetics.

Good Ajuga Companion Plants

Purslane

Purslane, with its succulent leaves and vibrant flowers, serves as an excellent ground cover, much like ajuga. It’s a good companion because it shares similar light and moisture requirements. Together, they form a dense carpet that discourages weeds and retains soil moisture.

• Planting Guide:
  1. Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  2. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic compost to improve fertility.
  3. Space ajuga and purslane 10 inches apart to prevent overcrowding.
  4. Water the plants deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  5. Apply a layer of organic mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

Interested in adding purslane to your garden? Discover the benefits in our article on purslane companion plants.

Nasturtium

Nasturtiums are a fantastic companion plant for ajuga due to their ability to repel various pests that might otherwise be attracted to ajuga. With their vibrant flowers and edible leaves, nasturtiums add both beauty and functionality to your garden. Planting ajuga and nasturtium together creates a robust ground cover and provides an organic pest control solution.

• How to Plant Together:
  1. Select a site with full sun to partial shade.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
  3. Plant ajuga and nasturtium seeds or seedlings about 12 inches apart to allow room for growth.
  4. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
  5. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

For more detailed information on nasturtium companion planting, boldly explore our article on nasturtium companion plants.

Rutabaga

Rutabaga, a root vegetable, is a beneficial companion for ajuga because it can benefit from the ground cover ajuga provides, which helps maintain soil moisture and temperature stability. The contrasting textures of ajuga’s foliage and rutabaga’s large leaves can also create visual interest in the garden.

• Steps for Companion Planting:
  1. Select a site with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
  2. Work compost into the soil to ensure it is fertile and well-draining.
  3. Plant ajuga and rutabaga seedlings about 18 inches apart to accommodate the rutabaga’s growth.
  4. Water consistently, especially during dry spells, to support root development.
  5. Mulch around the plants to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture.

Learn more about rutabaga’s companionship benefits by reading our detailed guide on rutabaga companion plants.

Viburnum

Viburnum offers a striking contrast to the low-growing ajuga with its tall stature and clusters of white to pink flowers. This pairing is ideal for creating layered textures in your garden. Viburnum acts as a natural attractant for beneficial insects that help keep pest populations in check, benefiting the ajuga below.

• How to Successfully Plant Together:
  1. Choose a location that accommodates the full size of the viburnum, with partial to full sun exposure.
  2. Plant ajuga in the foreground and viburnum in the background, considering their mature sizes for adequate spacing.
  3. Water the plants adequately, adjusting based on rainfall, to keep the soil moist.
  4. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth for both plants.
  5. Prune viburnum as needed to maintain shape and size, without overshadowing the ajuga.

For those interested in adding viburnum to their garden, check out our insights on viburnum companion plants.

Quince Tree

The quince tree, with its beautiful blossoms and fruit, serves as an excellent backdrop for the ajuga. This combination not only optimizes space but also provides a variety of textures and colors throughout the seasons. Ajuga’s dense foliage can help suppress weeds around the quince tree, reducing maintenance needs.

• Companion Planting Steps:
  1. Ensure the chosen site can accommodate the quince tree’s mature size, with full sun for optimal fruit production.
  2. Plant ajuga around the base of the quince tree, leaving enough space for the tree’s root development.
  3. Water both plants regularly, especially during the quince tree’s fruiting period.
  4. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect ajuga from the heat reflected off the ground.
  5. Monitor for pests and diseases, as healthy ajuga can help indicate soil and moisture conditions beneficial for the quince tree.

Explore the advantages of planting a quince tree in your garden by reading our article on amazing quince tree companion plants.

Quinoa

Integrating quinoa with ajuga in your garden introduces an edible landscape element alongside ornamental beauty. Quinoa’s tall, striking stalks provide a contrast to ajuga’s ground-hugging form, offering both height and texture differences. This pairing can also attract a diverse range of pollinators, enhancing garden health.

• Guide to Planting Together:
  1. Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for both plants.
  2. Space quinoa seeds or seedlings to allow for ample growth, with ajuga planted between rows.
  3. Maintain consistent moisture for both plants, especially during dry periods.
  4. Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  5. Harvest quinoa when the leaves have dropped, leaving ajuga to continue providing ground cover.

Gain insight into incorporating quinoa in your gardening strategy by visiting our guide on quinoa companion plants.

Plants to Avoid Planting with Ajuga

Nandina

While nandina is known for its attractive foliage and berries, it’s not a suitable companion for ajuga. Nandina’s extensive root system can outcompete ajuga for water and nutrients, leading to poor growth or the displacement of the ajuga over time.

Ninebark

Ninebark, with its dense growth and deep root system, can overshadow ajuga, limiting its access to sunlight. Additionally, ninebark’s moisture needs might not align with ajuga’s, potentially leading to overwatering or underwatering issues.

Lamb’s Ear

Lamb’s ear is known for its soft, fuzzy leaves, but it requires well-drained soil and less frequent watering compared to ajuga. This disparity in water requirements can cause ajuga to suffer from root rot or other moisture-related diseases.

Companion Planting Chart for Ajuga

Good Companions	Benefits
Nasturtium	Repels pests, adds beauty
Purslane	Shares light/moisture needs, suppresses weeds
Rutabaga	Provides ground cover, visual interest
Viburnum	Attracts beneficial insects, adds height
Quince Tree	Offers shade, suppresses weeds
Quinoa	Attracts pollinators, provides edible landscape

Incorporating ajuga into your garden alongside these companion plants can create a vibrant, healthy, and productive space. Remember, the key to successful companion planting lies in understanding the specific needs and benefits of each plant.