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Herbaceous Perennial

Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bugle 'Purple Torch'

Dense, spreading, mat-forming, evergreen perennial, to 20cm tall, with spoon-shaped, glossy and wrinkled dark green leaves that turn a purple-bronze colour in winter. Spikes of soft lavender-pink flowers are borne above the foliage in late spring and early summer

Synonyms
Ajuga 'Little Court Pink'

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Pink Green
Summer Purple Pink Green
Autumn Green
Winter Bronze Purple Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Ajuga are mostly spreading, rhizomatous perennials with attractive evergreen foliage, rarely annuals, with whorled two-lipped flowers forming short spikes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

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

Propagation

Propagate by division; remove rooted plantlets in spring or early autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Powdery mildews can be a problem

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