Chocolate Chip Ajuga Plants Disappeared Over Winter

Question From: T. MacPherson - Fort Mill, South Carolina, United States
Q: The last two winters have decimated my chocolate chip ajuga - located in Charlotte, NC. About half the plants, which looked very healthy in the fall, just disappeared by the time winter ended. Last year we had to replant about 1/3 to 1/2 the area to fill in. What are the possible causes of this situation?

A: Sounds like deer or rabbits to me. I use a product called Plantskydd in a granular form. Sprinkle it on the ground in fall and it will last for 3 months. It's blood based but does not smell. I have to use it year around. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy