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Herbaceous Perennial

Ajuga reptans
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 bugle
carpenter's herb
see moremiddle compound
middle consound
yellow bugle
glesyn y coed
Synonyms
Ajuga repens
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical 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

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