Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'
dark purple bugle
A vigorous perennial forming a dense mat of deep bronze-purple, spoon-shaped leaves and short erect spikes to 15cm tall, of deep blue flowers in late spring and early summer
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 | Blue | Bronze Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Bronze Purple | ||
| Autumn | Bronze Purple | |||
| Winter | Bronze Purple |
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. It is easy to remove rooted plantlets in spring or early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Powdery mildew can be a problem
Get involved
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