I sent 3 pictures asking if the small plants next to the adult plants, were in fact new growth of the Ajuga plant?
Salutations, I am looking for a low ground cover that may have to endure infrequent foot traffic and will grow in shade and partial shade in clay soil. An invasive species would not be favored by my neighbors. The area that I am looking at is approximately 25 by 30 ft. Thanks in advance for your attention to this matter.
Ajuga would work well, though it is slow growing. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-ground-covers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/gcgen/groundcover-for-foot-traffic.htm
Can you please tell me if this new growth is new Ajuga coming from the larger plants? I thought they were, but I wanted to be sure. Thank you.
While the tiny leaves look like ajuga leaves, the flowers do not. Ajuga has spikes in early spring. The plant spreads by underground runners forming a dense mat. So it may be something else like wild viola. It has leaves like that and tiny flowers.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ajuga/ajuga-bugleweed.htm
Ajuga died over the winter in texas zone 8
Overcrowding can cause crown rot in ajuga. Be careful not to overwater. Prevention is the best course because once crown rot takes hold, it is usually too late to recover. Fungicides may help in prevention. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/crown-rot-disease.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ajuga/ajuga-bugleweed.htm