Overview
Ajuga reptans is a matforming groundcover in the genus Ajuga, part of the Lamiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.3 m tall. Ajuga reptans grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ground cover, borders, rock gardens and underplanting. It is native to Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Amur, Assam, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium and Bulgaria.
About
Ajuga reptans is commonly known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle, and traditionally as St. Lawrence plant.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ajuga reptans
About the genus
Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, ground pine, carpet bugle, or just bugle, is a genus of flowering plants in the Ajugeae tribe of the mint family Lamiaceae. Over 60 species of annual or perennial, mostly herbaceous plants are known. They are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ajuga", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ajuga
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ajuga
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, Wet
- Aspect
- partial shade, shade, full sun
- Exposure
- sheltered, exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Ajuga reptans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- groundcover, perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Suggested uses
- ground cover, borders, rock gardens, underplanting
- Native to
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Amur, Assam, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ajuga reptans
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can spread aggressively
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division, seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ajuga reptans?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; can spread aggressively.
Where is the best place to plant Ajuga reptans?
Ajuga reptans prefers full sun and full shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Ajuga reptans need?
Ajuga reptans is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained to wet.
How do I prune Ajuga reptans?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
How big does Ajuga reptans grow?
Ajuga reptans reaches a height of 0.3 m.
Is Ajuga reptans hardy in the UK?
Ajuga reptans has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Ajuga reptans?
Division, seed, cuttings.
