Ajuga (bugleweed)
Ajuga reptans · Mint family (Lamiaceae)
| Hardiness zones | 3 to 10 |
|---|---|
| Sun | part shade |
| Water | moderate |
| Life cycle | perennial |
| Frost | Hardy: takes frost |
About Ajuga (bugleweed)
Ajuga is a fast, low, mat-forming groundcover with glossy green, bronze, purple or variegated leaves and short blue spikes of flowers in spring that bumblebees love (NC State). It spreads quickly by runners and can creep into lawns. NC State says it is listed as invasive in some parts of the country, though a low threat in North Carolina.
Hardy in zones 3-10 (NC State). It spreads aggressively into lawns and is listed as invasive in some areas.
When to plant
Timing is counted from your average last spring frost (and first fall frost). Sow & Tell works out the actual dates for your ZIP code.
Plant in spring or fall; it takes sun to deep shade (NC State). Divide in spring or fall when crowded. Edge beds so it doesn't run into the lawn.
Soil
Moist, well-drained, acidic soil; avoid wet, heavy soil, which brings crown rot (NC State).
Moist, well-drained soil; avoid wet, heavy clay (NC State).
Feeding
Crown rot strikes in humid weather and heavy soil; don't overwater (NC State).
Harvest
Blooms early spring into summer (NC State). Mow or trim off the spent flower spikes to tidy the mat.
Varieties (18)
| Variety | Type | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arctic Fox | Striking leaves; dark purple flowers. | ||
| Atropurpurea | Glossy bronze-purple leaves. | ||
| Black Scallop | Dark maroon leaves; compact. | ||
| Bronze Beauty | Dark bronze leaves; 2-4 in tall. | ||
| Burgundy Glow | Tricolor leaves; blue flowers; good resistance to phytophthora, stem rot and aerial blight. | ||
| Catlin's Giant | Large bronze-green leaves; blue flowers on 8 in spikes; good fusarium wilt resistance. | ||
| Chocolate Chip | Small chocolate-brown leaves. | ||
| Dixie Chip | Tricolor variegated leaves. | ||
| Jungle Beauty | Large glossy green leaves. | ||
| Mahogany | Deep mahogany leaves. | ||
| Metallica Crispa | Crinkled metallic bronze-purple leaves; deep blue flowers. | ||
| Pink Lightning | Mint-green leaves edged cream; pink flowers. | ||
| Purple Brocade | Thick, textured purplish leaves. | ||
| Purple Torch | Lavender torch-like spikes. | ||
| Rubra | Bronze-tinged leaves; rose-pink flowers. | ||
| Silver Beauty | Gray-green leaves with cream edges. | ||
| Toffee Chip | Dwarf with variegated leaves. | ||
| Variegata | Multi-toned leaves; short blue spikes. |
Diseases and problems
Crown rot
In the kitchen
Pets: Not listed as toxic by the ASPCA.
Sources
Photo: Photo: Robert Flogaus-Faust / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0 (CC BY 4.0). Photo resized for the web.
Planting dates and advice are general guidance; check with your local Cooperative Extension office for your area.