Ajuga is a spreading, low-growing perennial groundcover producing bold foliage and upright spikes of small blue or purple flowers in spring. It spreads by runners to form a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively, and tolerates more shade than most flowering groundcovers - including the difficult dry shade under established trees. Part shade to full sun. Moist soil. Water regularly. Purpurea is the classic dark purple-bronze form - the standard Ajuga grown in Perth gardens for decades. Dense, reliable, and effective as a weed-suppressing groundcover in difficult shade positions. Blue flower spikes in spring add seasonal interest above the foliage.