Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch'
bugle 'Purple Torch'
Dense, spreading, mat-forming, evergreen perennial, to 20cm tall, with spoon-shaped, glossy and wrinkled dark green leaves that turn a purple-bronze colour in winter. Spikes of soft lavender-pink flowers are borne above the foliage in late spring and early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Pink | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Bronze Purple Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Ajuga are mostly spreading, rhizomatous perennials with attractive evergreen foliage, rarely annuals, with whorled two-lipped flowers forming short spikes
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
The ideal plant for growing under trees in moist conditions. A partly-shaded position with some sun is needed to bring out the purple leaf colour. Although it will grow in shade, foliage will be greener
Propagation
Propagate by division; remove rooted plantlets in spring or early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Powdery mildews can be a problem
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