Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans
A fast-spreading evergreen ground cover that forms dense mats of glossy leaves topped with stunning spikes of blue-purple flowers in spring. Perfect for suppressing weeds in shady areas while providing reliable year-round coverage with seasonal color bursts. Extremely hardy and low-maintenance once established.
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 Bugleweed in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ground-cover →Zone Map
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Bugleweed · 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
Similar shade and moisture requirements, creates layered woodland garden effect
Astilbe
Complementary growing conditions, bugleweed provides ground cover around astilbe's base
Ferns
Both thrive in moist, shaded conditions and create natural woodland partnerships
Coral Bells
Compatible moisture needs, bugleweed fills gaps between coral bell clumps
Wild Ginger
Native woodland companions with similar soil and light preferences
Lungwort
Both prefer partial shade and moist soil, bloom at different times extending season
Japanese Painted Fern
Contrasting textures complement each other in shaded garden beds
Lamium
Similar growing habits and requirements, both serve as effective ground covers
Keep Apart
Mint
Both are aggressive spreaders that compete intensely for space and resources
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many ground cover plants
Pachysandra
Both are vigorous spreading ground covers that compete for the same ecological niche
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, may develop crown rot in poorly drained soils
Common Pests
Slugs, snails, occasionally aphids
Diseases
Crown rot, leaf spot in humid conditions