Eye catching shrub - need identification

iplogger1 · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 25

We have some of the species (see link to photo below) in our shrub beds.
I found a photo on a garden centre website but they haven't labelled the shrub type or family.

Anyone care to identify it ?

--Ian

James Kilkelly · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 4:22 pm Post subject:

Looks to be a form of Ajuga (Carpet bugle) iplogger1

iplogger1 · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 25

Hi GPI,

Thanks for that.

I'm not 100% convinced it is Ajuga variety. I found the image on
http://alderhousegardencentre.com/shrubs_ireland.html
it is shown on the sidebar of shrubs L-P - Ajuga isn't on their full
listing of shrubs. It does look somewhat similar but googling for
images I couldn't see that variety in any of the Ajuga photos on the web.

One thing which is a bit difficult to catch in the photo is the spiral/helical
pattern on the leaves and the tendency of the leaves to form a helix/curl
shape orbiting around the centre of the shrub. It also has fair rainbow
of tints.

--Ian

JennyS · Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:08 pm Post subject:

How big is it - its difficult get an idea of size from the photo, but its not Ajuga as that's a low-growing perennial and the leaves are different.
Embarassed

It looks sort of familar ...... ......

iplogger1 · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 25

Hi Jenny,

I ran out of daylight to go out and photograph our own one yesterday and I am in a little rush today as going on hols for a week. I would estimate it occupies around 9-11 inch diameter in our shrub beds. I will definitely take a photo and upload it here some time next week (if not earlier).

--Ian

iplogger1 · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 25

I've managed to photograph the unknown shrub in a pea gravel bed in my garden. The size of it should be fairly clear from the photo. Our one has turned more purplish/red at this time of year. It had the mixed green/red/orange tints earlier in the year. Again - notice the distinctive curling foliage.

-Ian

michael brenock · Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:18 pm Post subject:

it looks like a plant that has been treated with a ciontact/residual weedkiller.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

Roisin Dubh · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 11:55 am Post subject:

I have this plant in my garden (at least I hope it is the same one) and it is really lovely.

The name of it is Axillaris 'Curly Red' .

For further info see this link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/10619.shtml

James Kilkelly · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 12:36 pm Post subject:

By god I think you've got it Roisin Dubh....... fair play.
Leucothoe axillaris 'Curly Red' also known as Dog Hobble (stems so dense that they make traversing terrain difficult for dogs even).
Supposedly quite toxic if eaten too iplogger1.

iplogger1 · Rank attained: Hazel Tree Joined: 11 Aug 2006 Posts: 25

Many thanks for ID'ing this Roisin and James.

I think my photo was slightly oversharpened. I don't think it was accidentally
treated with weedkiller.

All the best - thanks for the great forum. I must visit more often

--Ian Cool