Groundcover
Bugleweed, Ajuga
Ajuga reptans
Features
Short spikes of flowers in spring. Some cultivars have colored foliage.
Culture
Full sun to partial shade. Well drained soil isa must for this plant, especially in late winter and early spring.
Cultivars
Numerous cultivars available including:
- 'Arctic Fox'-green leaves with white edges, dark blue-purple flowers.
- 'Atropurpurea'-bronze foliage with dark blue-purple flowers.
- 'Burgundy Glow'-foliage is a mix of burgundy, pink, white and green; flowers are blue.
- 'Pink Elf'-bronze leaves and pink flowers.
- 'Purple Torch'-tall (up to 12") spikes of lavender flowers.
Mature Height
3-4 Inches
(May be up to 8 inches tall when in flower.)
USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
Bloom Color
Blue
Lavender
Pink
Purple
White
Bloom Season
May - May
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
Foliage Color
Green
Purple
Variegated
Pests and Problems
Environmental Damage
Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:
Crown rot is a problem in sites with poor drainage.
Additional Notes
Bugleweed can spread fairly rapidly since the stems can root when they touch the soil.
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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