Bugleweed
ajuga reptans
Also known as: ["Common bugle","Carpet bugleweed"]
Overview
A low-growing, spreading perennial with attractive foliage and spikes of blue flowers, often used as ground cover.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","cold hardy","low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Ajuga |
| Botanical Name: | Ajuga reptans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: ground cover in garden beds, rock gardens, or containers
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; as needed to control spread or remove dead/damaged foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; trim back up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates bright indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Avoid intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for woodland or shaded garden beds.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is preferable; dappled light is ideal; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, or when top inch of soil is dry
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; water at the base of the plant.
Soil
moist, well-draining, fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers consistent cool conditions.
Protect from extreme heat; mulch to retain soil coolness; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring before active growth; avoid high-nitrogen formulas to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings root easily in moist soil or water.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist medium.
- Keep warm and humid.
Best Time: Early spring or early fall when the plant is actively growing but not under stress.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Moist potting mix or perlite/vermiculite mix; can also root in water.
Hormone
Optional but can speed up rooting; rooting hormone powder or gel is recommended for faster establishment.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; plants can be transplanted after 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, moist propagation medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity with a plastic bag or dome.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut runners back to the base; shear back flower stalks after blooming; thin out dense clumps to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Control spreading by removing unwanted runners; trim back after flowering to encourage denser growth and prevent self-seeding.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, rake (for cleanup).
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; cut back after flowering; remove dead leaves; control runners.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a pot one size larger with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Ajuga prefers slightly crowded conditions but benefits from fresh soil.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution. Focus on the root zone and avoid wetting foliage. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or leaf drop during extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may become brittle or discolored; growth slows or halts; roots may suffer damage in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to a sheltered location; protect from frost with a frost cloth.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become leggy; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; ensure good air circulation; avoid fertilizing during heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, as Ajuga prefers lean soil. Dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest Ajuga reptans may experience mild gastrointestinal issues. The plant poses a low risk to felines but should still be kept out of reach to prevent accidental consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Ajuga reptans by dogs may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic to canines but can cause discomfort if consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAjuga reptans contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The plant is not highly toxic but can induce adverse effects if ingested in significant quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ajuga reptans invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in some regions due to its aggressive spreading habit.
Q: Does Bugleweed attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Ajuga reptans be grown in shade?
A: Yes, it thrives in partial to full shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, or when top |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
