Ajuga reptans, also known as Bugleweed, is a versatile, low-growing, evergreen perennial that thrives in both sun and shade. With its vibrant purple or blue flower spikes, Ajuga is a perfect ground cover for adding colour and texture to your garden. Easy to care for, Ajuga offers year-round appeal with its attractive foliage and seasonal blooms.
Growing between 10–20cm in height, Ajuga reptans spreads laterally by runners and can form expansive carpets over time, making it a great solution for filling in bare patches and creating seamless garden transitions. Even when not in bloom, its lush foliage provides a textured, colourful backdrop that enhances the visual appeal of surrounding plantings.
Landscape uses
Ajuga reptans is valued not only for its aesthetic charm but also for its functionality. It works beautifully as a ground cover beneath trees, in shaded borders, or around feature plantings. Its neat, compact form and rich colouring make it perfect for any garden bed or pathway edge. Additionally, the flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity and the health of your garden ecosystem.
Planting
Ajuga reptans is very adaptable, thriving in a variety of light conditions from full sun to full shade. However, the intensity of its foliage colour is often more vivid in part shade. It’s an excellent option for areas with poor soil conditions, as it tolerates a variety of growing environments, but prefers well-draining soil. After planting, water regularly to establish strong roots, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings. Once established, it becomes moderately drought-tolerant.
Care and maintenance
A perfect choice for those preferring a low-maintenance option. It is hardy, largely pest-resistant, and requires little attention once established. However, due to its vigorous spreading habit, we suggest monitoring its growth and trimming the runners if you wish to contain it within specific boundaries.
Companion plants
Ajuga reptans pairs beautifully with shade-loving and textural companions such as Hosta ‘Halcyon’ and Helleborus orientalis. These combinations create layers of interest and seasonal variation, perfect for a curated landscape.
