Will Ajuga Be Good To Grow As Ground Cover Between Boxwood And Dogwood Shrubs

Question From: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Q: I have a few boxwood shrubs & a red twig dogwood bush in a contained area & I was thinking of planting some black scallop ajuga around them instead of mulch. I'm hoping when they fill in they will choke out any weeds. Do you see any problems with that? Thank you in advance!

A: Ajuga is a great ground cover when properly contained. Get the area as weed free as possible. Take care not to plant to close to the shrubs so as not to disturb their roots. I would mulch around the plants with a good tub ground mulch or composted bark. It will break down and enrich the soil, encouraging the ajuga to spread. Best and Happy Yardening, Nancy.