Ajuga Tropical Toucan ('Trotou') (Feathered Friends Series)

RHS Plant Profile
bugle [Tropical Toucan]

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Synonyms

Ajuga reptans 'Trotou'

Herbaceous Perennial

A low-growing evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial, forming mats of glossy, deeply veined, bright yellow-green leaves. Spikes of tubular, violet blue flowers are produced in mid to late spring

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen, Semi 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
Trade

How to Grow

Cultivation

Thrives in any moist but well-drained soil in partial shade; will also tolerate full shade. Leaves may scorch in too much sun

Propagation

Propagate by division, separating rooted stems in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews