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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

Ajugas we recommend

Buy ajugas from RHSplants.co.uk

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Useful advice

Container maintenance

Container maintenance

Perennials: dividing

Perennials: dividing

Powdery mildews

Powdery mildews

Shade gardening

Shade gardening

Slugs and snails

Slugs and snails

Get involved

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