Bugleweed is a common low-maintenance ground cover that is useful for quickly covering large areas. This perennial plant can grow in most areas and can handle a lot of different growing conditions, such as full sun, full shade, and different types of soil. It has small, round leaves that come in many colors and patterns. In the spring, it has showy flower spikes that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insects that pollinate plants.
The most common type of ornamental bugleweed, Ajuga reptans, is a member of the mint family and is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. It has also become naturalized in the United States. S. and other countries across the globe. It’s important to learn how to use bugleweed in your landscaping because it grows quickly and can become invasive in some places (see where). See below for bugleweed alternatives if it is invasive in your area.
This dense ground cover that forms a mat can be used to keep weeds down and in poor soils where not much else will grow. Bugleweed is versatile in beds, borders, and containers. Here’s how to grow and use bugleweed in your yard.
Small tubular flowers resembling lobelia occur on upright spikes. Flower color is most often blue, but can also be pink or white.
Round or oval foliage has a crinkled texture, with a shiny or dull surface. Foliage colors can be green, burgundy, bronze, chocolate, gold, or variegated. The foliage is evergreen or semi-evergreen in all but the coldest regions.
Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, is a versatile creeping perennial valued as a hardy ground cover. With its colorful foliage, spring flowers, and spreading habit, ajuga thrives in sun or shade. Read on for tips on growing this adaptable plant.
An Overview of Ajuga Ground Cover
Ajuga is a genus of around 50 species of perennial plants in the mint family. Ajuga reptans is the most popular species grown as a ground cover Other common ones include Ajuga genevensis and Ajuga pyramidalis ‘Metallica Crispa’
Native to Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, ajuga grows 4-12 inches tall with attractive rounded or spiky leaves. The foliage comes in shades of green, purple, burgundy, pink, white, and silver-gray. Ajuga produces upright flower spikes in spring and early summer, usually in shades of blue or purple.
Once established, ajuga spreads rapidly to form a dense carpet. It’s a versatile ground cover suited to many sites, tolerating sun or shade. Let’s look at how to grow ajuga in both conditions.
Growing Ajuga in Full Sun
While tolerant of shade, ajuga thrives in full sun with proper soil and moisture. Here are some tips:
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Select full sun cultivars like ‘Black Scallop’, ‘Bruno’, or ‘Burgundy Glow’ that won’t fade out.
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Amend soil with compost to improve moisture retention. Ajuga needs consistent water in full sun.
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Mulch around plants to keep soil cool and moist. Organic mulches like pine needles or bark work well.
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Water whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Drought stress causes foliage burn.
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Prune spent flower spikes back to the foliage to encourage reblooming. Deadhead often.
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Watch for pests like spider mites that may appear if plants become stressed. Hose off foliage to control.
Caring for Ajuga Grown in Shade
Ajuga also performs well in part shade to full shade. Follow these tips for success:
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Select shade-loving varieties like ‘Bruno’, ‘Catlin’s Giant’, or ‘Chocolate Chip’ marked for shade tolerance.
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Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Monitor soil moisture closely.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season to fuel growth.
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Cut back any damaged foliage or dying flowers to improve appearance.
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Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in early spring to rejuvenate growth.
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Monitor for slugs and snails which can chew foliage. Remove by hand or use organic bait.
Ajuga Planting and Care Tips
Here are some general care guidelines to help ajuga thrive:
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Plant in spring or fall, spacing plants 10-12 inches apart to allow spreading.
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Loosen soil and mix in compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
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Water new plantings daily until established. Mature plants are quite drought tolerant.
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Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring and again in late summer.
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Prune off spent flower spikes and any damaged leaves or stems through the season.
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Divide congested plants every few years to rejuvenate growth. Replant divisions elsewhere.
Troubleshooting Common Ajuga Problems
Ajuga is relatively problem free but may encounter:
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Powdery mildew: Improves with more sun and air circulation.
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Rot diseases: Avoid overwatering and improve drainage.
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Spider mites: Knock off with strong spray of water.
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Discolored foliage: Usually indicates too much sun. Move to shade.
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Minimal blooms: Prune after flowering to encourage reblooms.
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Poor spread: Loosen soil and amend with organic material to improve spreading.
##Creative Ways to Use Ajuga Ground Cover
Here are some pretty options for using ajuga in your landscape:
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As a lawn substitute or between stepping stones. Tolerates foot traffic.
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Cascading down stone walls, slopes, or raised planter edges.
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Edging walkways, borders, and garden beds in place of turf grass.
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Spilling out of containers on patios, decks, and porches.
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Underplanting roses, shrubs, trees, and perennials. Handles root competition.
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Covering barren patches and soil erosion trouble spots. Rapid spreader.
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Mass planting for vivid color from its purple, pink, white, or silver-gray leaves.
Ajuga Offers Year-Round Appeal in Sun or Shade
With its carpeting habit, colorful foliage, and hardy nature, ajuga makes an excellent ground cover for challenging spots. Providing the right growing conditions allows this versatile plant to thrive and spread in sun or shade. Ajuga brings year-round interest with its pretty leaves and spring blooms. Try adding some of these hardy perennials to your landscape soon!
Does bugleweed come back every year?
Ajuga is a long-lived evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial that comes back reliably from year to year.
Is bugleweed deer resistant?
Bugleweed is deer resistant due to the bitter taste of the foliage, which repels most wildlife.
Ajuga reptans – a great ground cover for dry shade,
FAQ
Can Ajuga tolerate full shade?
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What does Ajuga look like in winter?