Ajuga
Ajuga reptans
Known as bugleweed, this fast-spreading perennial creates stunning foliage carpets in bronze, purple, or variegated patterns topped with spikes of blue flowers in late spring. This European native thrives in shade and quickly fills in bare spots with its colorful rosettes of leaves. The dramatic flower spikes attract bees and butterflies, making it both beautiful and beneficial for pollinators.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial shade to full shade
Zones
3–10
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Ajuga in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Ajuga · Zones 3–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Wet. Water: 'Artic Fox', 'Atropurpurea', 'Black Scallop', 'Bronze Beauty', 'Burgundy Glow', 'Catlins Giant', 'Chocolate Chip', 'Dixie Chip', 'Jungle Beauty', 'Mahogany', 'Metallica Crispa', 'Pink Lightning', 'Purple Brocade', 'Purple Torch', 'Rubra', 'Silver Beauty', 'Toffee Chip', 'Variegata'. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: Less than 12 inches. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Each flower is replaced by 4 nutlets that are oval-shaped and pitted across the surface.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Nut. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: Europe, northern Africa, southwestern Asia
Advantages
- +Attracts: Wildlife Food Source
- +Wildlife value: Attracts bumblebees, hummingbirds and songbirds.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hosta
Both thrive in partial shade with similar moisture requirements, complementary foliage textures
Astilbe
Shares preference for moist, partially shaded conditions and provides vertical contrast
Heuchera
Similar growing conditions and non-competitive root systems, attractive foliage combination
Ferns
Both prefer shade and consistent moisture, creates natural woodland garden aesthetic
Lamium
Compatible shade groundcovers with similar cultural needs and spreading habits
Brunnera
Complementary spring bloomer for shade gardens with similar soil moisture preferences
Caladium
Both tolerate shade well, ajuga provides living mulch for caladium bulbs
Japanese Painted Fern
Excellent textural contrast in shade gardens with compatible growing requirements
Keep Apart
Mint
Extremely aggressive spreader that will compete and potentially overwhelm ajuga
Vinca minor
Both are vigorous groundcovers that will compete aggressively for space
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many plants including ajuga
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may develop crown rot in poorly drained soil
Common Pests
Slugs, snails in moist conditions
Diseases
Crown rot, leaf spot in humid conditions