Bugle, Blue Bugle, Bugleherb, Bugleweed, Carpetweed, Carpet Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle, Common Bugle
Ajuga reptans is a robust, versatile ground cover that offers year-round interest with its colorful foliage and attractive flower spikes.
Ajuga reptans, commonly known as bugleweed or carpet bugle, is a low-growing herbaceous perennial native to Europe but now widespread in many parts of the world.
Habit and Size: This plant typically grows 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and spreads indefinitely to form an attractive ground cover. It remains attractive most of the year.
Foliage: The leaves of Ajuga reptans are evergreen, oblong, and richly colored, ranging from dark green to bronze and even purplish tones. They are borne in dense, attractive rosettes, and form a carpet that thrives in shady areas where grass won’t grow.
Flowers: Rising from the center of the rosettes are whorls of tiny blue-violet, purple, pink, or white flowers arranged on spikes which create a striking display when in full bloom, in mid-late spring or early summer. However, gardeners treasure more the showy foliage of bugleweed and its carpet habit than its flowers.
Hardiness: Ajuga reptans is extremely hardy, capable of withstanding temperatures in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 10. It’s versatile and adaptable, thriving in a wide range of soil types and conditions, although it prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.
Uses: This plant is perfect for filling gaps in a garden, suppressing weeds, and covering areas where other plants might struggle. It is also used for erosion control on slopes.
Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Deer and Rabbit: Deer and rabbits typically avoid buglewwed.
Invasiveness: This plant can be quite aggressive. It spreads via stolons (above-ground stems) and can easily overtake a garden if not kept in check, potentially making it invasive in certain situations.
| Hardiness |
3 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Ajuga |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Landscaping Ideas | Ground Covers, Beds And Borders, Banks And Slopes, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Ajuga reptans, also known as bugleweed, is a popular choice among gardeners for several reasons:
However, remember that Ajuga reptans can be invasive, so it’s essential to keep it in check, especially in a small garden or a mixed planting scheme. It’s a versatile plant that’s well suited for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Designing a garden with Ajuga reptans, or bugleweed, allows you to create a lush carpet of color that adds depth and interest to your outdoor space. Here are some ideas:
Remember to space the plants 12-18 inches apart to allow room for growth. Also, Ajuga reptans spreads quickly, so be prepared to manage its growth if necessary.
Ajuga reptans, or Bugleweed, is a versatile plant that can be paired with many different garden companions. When choosing companion plants, consider the following:
Remember, the best companion plants for your Ajuga will depend on your specific garden conditions, including light, soil, and climate.
Bugleweed is a relatively easy plant to grow, but here are some specific tips to ensure it thrives:
With these tips in mind, Ajuga can be an excellent low-maintenance choice for ground cover, especially in challenging areas where other plants may struggle.
*Pictures are courtesy of Christine Majul, Growing colors, / 123RF Stock Photo
| Hardiness |
3 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
1 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Genus | Ajuga |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid, Late) |
| Height |
4" - 8" (10cm - 20cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Landscaping Ideas | Ground Covers, Beds And Borders, Banks And Slopes, Underplanting Roses And Shrubs |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
