Ajuga reptans
bugle
Spreading stoloniferous perennial to 15cm in height, forming a wide mat of dark green, spoon-shaped leaves, with erect spikes of dark blue flowers in late spring and early summer
Other common names
brown buglecarpenter's herb
see moremiddle compound
middle consound
yellow bugle
glesyn y coed
Synonyms
Ajuga repensSize
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Blue | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Blue | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Iran, SW Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist soil, best in full or partial shade but tolerant of part day sun if soil remains moist
Propagation
Propagate by division, separating rooted stems
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.