Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'

©1999

BUGLEWEED
Family: Lamiaceae
Pronounced: a-JOO-ga REP-tanz

GROWING GUIDE

Geographical origin: Europe, Caucasus, Iran.
Plant group: Perennial herb.

©1998

Hardiness: Sunset zones: All (Western). USDA zones: 3-9. Heat zones: 9-1.
Mature size: Height: 6 inches (15 cm).
Width: 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) or more.
Flowering period: Late spring, early summer.
Flowering attributes: Dark blue flowers on spikes.
Leaf attributes: Dark bronze leaves with pink, green and cream markings.
Growth habit: Spreading evergreen ground cover. In spring sends out runners that root in the soil.
Light: Partial shade to shade.
Soil: Moist soil; will tolerate poor soils.
Feeding: Apply compost or manures thinly over the soil after pruning the plants.
Propagation methods: Sow seed at 68°F (20°C). | Division of rooted stems.
Pruning methods: When necessary cut foliage back to the ground after flowering to rejuvenate the foliage. Mow large areas of bugleweed with a lawn mower; however, in small patches of Ajuga, trim plants back with pruning shears or weed trimmer. Where not wanted, trim back the runners before they take root. Approximately every third year, thin out plants to reduce the chance of crown rot.

Rainy Side Notes

In my experience, this variety takes full sun without scorching the leaves here in the maritime Pacific Northwest; however, it needs extra moisture during our summer drought when planted in full sun. In my garden, it spreads slower than other A. reptans.

Although I think a lawn with this beautiful bronze leaf would be quite striking, ajugas easily invade the grass. All right, you lawn lovers, quit hissing at me! If you don’t want a serious case of “buglelawn,” as Alan Armitage calls it, keep the plants well away from the grass edges. As with any bugleweed, do not plant near small plants that can’t hold their own.

More Ajuga.

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