The Ajuga ‘Metal. Crispa’, Ajuga pyramidalis, is a useful ground cover with short spikes of cobalt blue flowers. ‘Metal. Crispa’ has very tight, crisp-leafed crinkled purple foliage, almost prune-like, with a green-brown shine. The flowers appear in early spring on 8” spikes with a plant spread of 12-24”. ‘Metal. Crispa’ is excellent for shady moist areas but will adapt to a little more sun than most Ajuga. (The foliage colors will be more vivid with morning sun.) It prefers moist soil with a good drainage but will tolerate moderately dry areas. Do avoid soggy conditions.

Metal. Crispas are best grown in a rocky area or with other smaller plants (so that it does not get overwhelmed), under trees or in poor soils. ‘Metal. Crispa’ can be aggressive so don't place it near lawns without proper edging to prevent spread, or in borders where spreading is not desired. Butterflies and hummingbirds are defiantly attracted to Ajuga, not to mention being deer resistant and a low allergen. If one is looking for a perennial ground cover to exceed in a hard to grow shady area, Ajuga's are the way to go.