Ajuga Feathered Friends 'Fancy Finch' is a striking ground cover featuring glossy chartreuse foliage that intensifies to a golden hue in cool weather. Produces vibrant violet blue flower spikes that rise above the bright foliage adding contrast and seasonal interest. Features compact spreading form, excellent leaf color retention in shade, and minimal flowering fade during heat.
Height & Spread: 4 - 6 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to full shade
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to moist soil
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but tolerates short dry spells
Deer Resistance: Deer and rabbit resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from Ajuga reptans, a species native to Europe. While not native to North America, it is widely adapted and cultivated for ornamental use in gardens and landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Flowers attract honeybees, bumblebees, and small native solitary bees during peak spring bloom.
Butterflies
- Visited by early season butterflies such as Spring Azure and Pearl Crescent for nectar.
Moths
- Occasionally visited by day flying moths like the Chickweed Geometer and other nectar seeking species.
Birds
- Low mat forming growth provides nesting cover and insect foraging habitat for small songbirds such as wrens and sparrows.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 10 - 12 in apart to form a continuous mat and maximize foliage display.
Landscape Placement:
- Use along paths, between stepping stones, in containers, or under shrubs where vibrant foliage adds texture and brightness in shady areas.
Companion Plants
- Iberis sempervirens (Candytuft) - A compact evergreen perennial with white blooms that accent Ajuga’s spring flower spikes.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Adds airy white bloom spikes and textured foliage to shaded ground cover groupings.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' - Offers heart shaped silver veined foliage that reflects Ajuga’s brightness in shade.
- Heuchera 'Obsidian' - Deep burgundy foliage enhances color contrast with golden Ajuga leaves.
- Hosta 'Blue Angel' - Large blue foliage provides a broadleaf contrast to Ajuga’s fine matting texture.