Horizontal junipers like Blue Rug, Bar Harbor, and Prince of Wales tend to form new foliage on top of older foliage and become thick and dense once their canopies meet. Thinning improves air circulation between the plants and prevents insect and disease problems. Infected leaves can be picked off and discarded. Root, stem and crown rots are fungal diseases that are more serious in poorly drained soils. Some groundcover plants, such as ajuga, are very susceptible to root-knot nematodes.
Nematodes are microscopic worms that live in the soil and feed on plant roots.
Infected plantings will thin out in spots and plants may die. Evergreen, shiny leaves. There are many varieties, cultivars and several species of ivy available with a variety of leaf forms, patterns and colors. 6 to 12 inches Partial shade. Moist, well-drained soil.