Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans) is a rapidly growing broadleaf, evergreen to semi-evergreen, perennial ground cover in the mint family. Its compact, dense mat of gray-silver, green, purple-lavender, or bronze leaves has beautiful small clusters of pink, blue, purple-lavender, or white 4- to 6-in. erect flower spikes in mid to late spring. Its flowers attract bumblebees, hummingbirds, and songbirds.
It tolerates all light levels and is an excellent choice for moist areas, although it will tolerate moderately dry soils. In cool, shady areas where grass will not grow, it makes a thick, attractive ground cover. Avoid planting in wet, heavy soils, and provide good air circulation.
For initial planting, plant ajuga less than 12-in. apart. Do not set the plants too deep; the crown should never be covered. It spreads quickly by runners, so plant this perennial where its assertive qualities are welcome.
Bugleweed is attractive in a mass planting in a naturalized area, on a slope or bank, or in a woodland garden. A dense mat will help smother weeds, but do not plant it as an edging to the lawn because doing so will result in small islands of ajuga foliage in your lawn. Divide these plants when they grow too crowded in the spring or fall, or propagate ajuga by seed.
Ajuga is resistant to damage by foot traffic, deer, and rabbits. Crown rot can be a problem in very humid conditions and heavy soils. While not invasive in North Carolina, this plant is listed as invasive in other parts of the country due to its quick growth and aggressive spread. Some cultivars have shown good resistance to phytophthora, leaf spot, and fusarium wilt.
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' Full Form Jim Robbins CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Aguga reptans Snowberry clear wing moth pollinating an Ajuga reptans flower. Ken Slade CC BY-ND 2.0
Ajuga reptans Black scallop Rose Hill Gardens CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Ajuga reptans Douneika CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
By Kathryn Copley, Extension Master Gardener SM Volunteer, Brunswick County, NC
For more information on gardening in Brunswick County, please call the Brunswick County Cooperative Extension Office, 910.253.2610.
SOURCES:
Ajuga reptans (Ajuga, Blue Bugle, Bugleherb, Bugleweed, Bugle Weed, Carpet Bugle) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Ajuga Factsheet | Clemson Cooperative Education Home and Garden Information Center