Introducing...
Ajuga
Common name: bugle
These ground-hugging hardy perennials form carpets of leaves around trees and shrubs. Their blue-toned flowers combine well with spring bulbs and other early perennials. There is a wide range of cultivars to choose from, including with green, bronze-purple or marbled foliage.
Looks
In spring, plants bear short spires of tiny, blue (sometimes purple or white) flowers. Leaves are tongue-like, crinkled and shiny; they can be plain or patterned and lie close to the ground.
Likes
Bugles prefer cool conditions in reliably damp soil that does not dry out in light, dappled shade.
Dislikes
Plants will not grow well in dry, poor soil. Plants can scorch in full sun. (Plants with purple or variegated leaves can turn green in deep shade).
Did you know?
These plants spread by runners so are great for groundcover. Detach new plants from the edges of an expanding clump and use them to replace older ones towards the centre.
Growing guide
How to grow Ajuga
All the information you'll need to grow and care for ajugas can be found in the RHS guide to perennials.
Ajugas we recommend
Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant'
bugle 'Catlin's Giant'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'
dark purple bugle
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant'
bugle 'Catlin's Giant'
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'
dark purple bugle
- 0.1–0.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Container maintenance
Perennials: dividing
Powdery mildews
Shade gardening
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Slugs and snails
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.