About
Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch' is a low-growing, evergreen perennial that forms a thick mat, reaching heights of up to 20 cm. Its leaves are spoon-shaped, glossy, and textured, displaying a dark green hue that transitions to purple-bronze during the winter months. In late spring and early summer, delicate spikes of pale lavender-pink flowers rise above the foliage, adding seasonal interest to the landscape.
About the genus
Ajuga primarily consists of spreading, rhizomatous perennials that feature appealing evergreen leaves, with annuals being a rare occurrence. The plants produce whorled, two-lipped flowers that cluster in short spikes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- The ideal plant for growing under trees in moist conditions. A partly-shaded position with some sun is needed to bring out the purple leaf colour. Although it will grow in shade, foliage will be greener
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division; remove rooted plantlets in spring or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews can be a problem