Botanical Name: Ajuga reptans
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Common Name: Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle  
Plant photo of: Ajuga reptans
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Water Saving Tip:

Even though it's hot, your lawn only needs to be watered twice a week to stay healthy.

And don't water the whole lawn for a brown spot—drag out a hose.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Blue, Pink, Purple

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Green, Dark Green, Pink, Purple, Variegated

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Mediterranean, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Mass Planting, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Linda Engstrom, JJ Neilso
  • Description

  • Notes

This colorful groundcover grows in shade to part sun, though the more sun, the more water it needs. Spreads by runners, forming dense mats. Foliage color varies and ranges from bright green, to bronze, to purple, and nearly black, and variegated forms with white, cream, green, and pinks. Evergreen in mild winters. Blue or pink spires up to 8 inches tall in April and May. 2-4" x 12-18"
Plant in part to full shade, though best leaf color occurs with some sun. Prefers rich, organic soils that are well-drained. Spreads rapidly by stolons and can be quite aggressive in lawns. Plants may be mowed on high setting after blooming in order to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy the appearance, though it isn't necessary. Goes dormant in winter and emerges in early to mid spring, depending on the weather. In shadier areas, it may require less-frequent watering.