Dan,

I planted chocolate chip ajuga plants about a month to six weeks ago. I have already had to replace two of them, and now another two are dying/dead. They are fine one day and then a few days later this is what I find (see pictures). It looks like tiny white eggs are under the plants and the roots are pretty much gone. Please advise.

- Londa F.

One of the main issues with ajuga is its susceptibility to crow rot caused by the soilborne fungus Sclerotium rolfsii.

Here's a link to information on this disease and control. In addition to the fungicides mentioned, Terraclor is also used to control this disease. Generous watering encourages this disease.

The best thing might be to stop planting ajuga in that bed or area as this is a difficult disease to fight in the long term.

Dan Gill
Consumer Horticulture Specialist