Feathered Friends™ Pink Pelican Ajuga

Light Needs

Mature Height

4-6 Inches

Mature Spread

12-18 Inches

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Feathered Friends™ Pink Pelican Ajuga wins on its warm orange leaves that hold through summer without scorching, even with plenty of sun. In early spring, short spikes of pink flowers pop up over the mat for a quick burst of color before most perennials get going. This groundcover stays low at about 4 inches tall and spreads to roughly 18 inches wide, so it fills gaps fast without blocking views. We've been using it as a bright “carpet” plant to enliven borders and path edges.

The dense growth helps shade out weeds, and it’s a handy choice for slopes or awkward corners where mulch slides. Evergreen foliage in milder winters means the patch doesn’t vanish when the garden goes quiet. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers, but deer and rabbits typically avoid ajuga’s foliage. This bugleweed is an easy way to add a warm accent near stone, gravel, or dark-leaved companions.

Feathered Friends™ Pink Pelican Ajuga Care

Grow Pink Pelican in full sun to part sun; in hotter climates, a bit of afternoon shade helps the foliage stay freshest. Plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, aiming for a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.0. Water consistently during the first growing season, then switch to watering when the top inch of soil dries, keeping it out of constantly wet conditions. In containers, check moisture more often since pots dry quickly, and water until it runs through the drainage holes. Feed lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, or top-dress with compost if you prefer a gentler approach.

Trim off the spent flower spikes after bloom to keep the mat tidy and encourage fresh leaf growth. If it starts to creep beyond its lane, pull or snip runners back to the edge rather than cutting the whole plant down. Thin any crowded patches in early spring to improve airflow. Avoid heavy summer shearing, which can expose stems and slow regrowth.

Feathered Friends™ Pink Pelican Ajuga Spacing

For landscape design, space plants 12–18 inches apart depending on how quickly you want coverage. For container planting, use an 8–10 inch pot for one plant, or a 12–14 inch container if you’re mixing companions. Pair it in containers with caladium and sweet alyssum, or use it in the landscape alongside sea thrift and hostas for a layered, long-season planting.

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