Propagating and Pruning Ajuga Plants Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems: Crown rot can be a problem in deep Southern humid conditions and in heavy soils. Additionally, very heavy soil will cause crown rot. Crown and Roots Rot; Odor Present is Caused by Crown Rot Soil-dwelling fungi cause this serious disease, which can kill plants within a few days. Some of the miniature varieties make great additions to trough gardens and containers. Note the discoloration at the base of the stems due to a Sclerotium sp. Whorls of tiny, blue-violet flowers appear in mid to late spring on spikes rising above the foliage to 10". This will reduce the risk of the crown rot. Pruning your Ajugas is easy. Ajuga Reptans Main Pest or Disease Problems. Over-fertilizing can lead to crown rot. Ajuga-Crown Rot. VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for " Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers " a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. Otherwise, it is fairly impervious to pests and diseases. You’ll see ajuga used primarily as a bed edging plan and as a groundcover in fairly small spaces. has been found in greenhouse grown plants by the OSU Plant Clinic and reported from Georgia. It first appears as sudden wilting and dieback in colder climates and yellowing and death of plants in warmer areas. Try to avoid using chemical herbicides near ajuga, they seem to promote rot in existing plants. In case you notice non-variegated foliage on variegated forms of Ajuga plants, make sure to remove it. Ajuga does best in well-drained, moist soil but handles drought and dry soils well. It is vulnerable to Southern blight, a soil-borne fungus also known as crown rot. The fungus attacks very suddenly, causing plants to collapse, wilt and die. Plant Ajugas 12 to 15 inches apart, being careful not to plant too deeply. The crown should never be covered with soil or the plant may rot. To prevent this, simply make sure to site your plants accordingly. Ajuga plants should be planted or transplanted in the garden in early spring. It tolerates deer and rabbit and does well planted under and around Black Walnut trees. This garden malady is caused by a fungus that sometimes develops in the soil when the location has experienced many heavy rains, flash floods, or other reasons for lots of lots of water in one location. Winterizing: No specific care needed Maintenance & Pruning: Can be propagated by digging and dividing established clumps in the fall or early in the spring. Ajuga reptans, commonly called bugleweed, is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features shiny, dark green leaves. Part of OSU Extension Plant Pathology Slide Set. The biggest concern is to make sure the plant doesn't get too wet because crown rot is a common problem. Cause The fungus Phoma sp. 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