Japanese name: セイヨウジュウニヒトエ（西洋十二単衣） Scientific name:Ajuga reptans
[Overview]
A perennial that sends out long runners from the base of the plant and spreads in a mat.
Offsets form at the tips of the runners, and roots also develop from the nodes.
The leaves grow in rosettes, obovate to oblong, narrowing at the base and running into the long leaf stalk like wings.
The leaf margins have large wavy teeth with rounded tips.
Many flowers are borne on an erect spike about 15 cm long.
The bracts are leaf-like and bluish.
The flowers are lipped, with the upper lip 2-lobed and the lower lip 3-lobed with a large central lobe.
There are many cultivars, with a wide variety of flower and leaf colors.
[Cultivation]
Propagate by division.
Grow in a sunny to partially shaded place that is rich in humus and has good drainage and ventilation.
It prefers a somewhat humid, cool place.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil dries.
In spring to early summer, place slow-release fertilizer around the plant or apply liquid fertilizer.
Excess fertilizer makes the plant leggy and weak.
Pests and diseases include damping-off and aphids.
Damping-off occurs easily when drainage is poor.
