Crown rot is caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. Chocolate Chip Bugleweed Chocolate Chip Ajuga has small, glossy, bronze-maroon and green foliage. Bugleweed hugs the ground, only growing up to 6 inches in height. Well-drained soil will also help prevent crown rot. (Bugleweed, Valfredda) Compact, variegated emerald foliage with rich chocolate and burgundy highlights on a rapidly spreading ground cover with deep blue 2" flower spikes. It is one of the best known and most useful ground covers, suitable for many different situations and color schemes. Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip', also known as bugleweed, is a low-growing creeping groundcover. Bugleweeds are commonly used in landscaping, and some creeping species, used as ground covers, are widely naturalized. Ajuga – also known as bugleweed – is a tough, low-growing ground cover. Of course, if it’s located in the sun, you may need to water it more often. It’s also good for erosion control. Ajuga Black Scallop (Black Scallop Bugleweed) is an easily grown groundcover, with glossy, dark-burgundy foliage and bright-blue late-spring flowers. Depending on the variety, the flowers may be rose or white, but the most commonly found color is a shade of purplish blue. The creeping bugle is also known as a medicinal plant. Later in the season, Ajuga plants send up delightful spikes of blue, purple or pink flowers, adding summertime beauty to the landscape. They are dark green with hints of purple. Good for large areas as ground cover, on slopes and edges of pathways as well as rock gardens and beds. How to Grow Bugleweed / Ajuga It is best to sow on the soil surface, then cover Ajuga seeds with a light dusting of soil on top. If you can overlook its rapid spreading, the foliage is lovely and the flowers are very unusual. These stems spread out horizontally over the ground and can root where they come in contact with the soil. Warning: Bugleweed can become invasive, particularly in well-watered lawns. Caren White is a Master Gardener and instructor at Home Gardeners School. The purple spinach bugleweed is beautiful as an underplanting for anything lime green or blue. They should be spaced 15 to 30 cm apart in the spring or autumn. Bugleweed attracts wildlife, including bees. Plant ajuga under trees or shrubs to add texture and … Its compact dense mat has beautiful small … Theres even a variegated form available. It is not tolerant of heavy foot traffic. 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Description: Ajuga reptans, commonly called bugleweed, or carpet bugleweed is a rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features shiny, dark green leaves and small, lavender-blue flowers on 3.9–5.9 in stalks. Stolons are also called runners. Sign up for our newsletter. Avoid planting or transplanting ground covers in the heat of the summer, and make sure there is adequate moisture where the ground covers … Ajuga reptans is … When you’re looking for something attractive to quickly fill in a large area, then you can’t go wrong with ajuga (Ajuga reptans), also known as carpet bugleweed. The soil should be dry and have a pH in the range of 5.5 to 7.1. Another way to prevent crown rot is to water sparingly. Lycopus europaeus is commonly known as gypsywort. It is a member of the mint family. It will grow in all types of soil (acidic, balanced and alkaline). Plants that are too close together in soil which doesn’t drain well results in wet humid conditions which will encourage growth of the fungus. The vigorous plant grows in a carpet of shiny foliage and massed flowers, swiftly forming dense mats that require little maintenance. Bugleweed is a groundcover that can planted in full sun or partial shade. It is an excellent plant for moist areas, although it will tolerate moderately dry soils and makes a wonderful ground cover in cool, shady areas where grass will not grow. Replant the new healthy clumps 12 inches apart. The flower stems can add another few inches to its height. Foliage takes on metallic overtones on mature summer leaves especially if planted in full sun. Thanks for pointing that out. Ajuga reptans is commonly known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle, and traditionally but less commonly as St. Lawrence plant.It is an herbaceous flowering plant, in the mint family, native to Europe.It is invasive in parts of North America. You can still find bugleweed in garden centers and it is still a very popular ground cover in some areas. Newer cultivars have leaves that are variegated. It’s related to mint so it can be invasive. They are perfect for tumbling over rock edges and if you add another ground cover with color this makes a great statement. Also known as carpetweed or bugleweed, Ajuga reptans is a perennial that is typically hardy in zones 3 to 9. They are stems that grow close to the soil or under the soil from which new plants can grow. Ajuga thrives in humusy soil and will grow fine in average, well drained soil. Caren White (author) on October 01, 2020: Good catch! It is compact growing to just 2" high and performs more like a clumper spreading less by stolons with a slower growth habit than other reptans. Bronze Beauty Bugleweed. Bugleweed is excellent as ground cover and make a stunning edging at the front of a border as they emphasis the other flowers colors. Bugleweed is hardy in zones 3 – 9. So called Carpet Bugleweed is a low growing, evergreen perennial plant that forms a dense, mat-like ground cover. Bugleweed (Ajuga) is a trustworthy ground cover. Get rid of any that are brown or withered. Abby Slutsky from America on September 30, 2020: This plant tempts me in for a shady bed, but I am already overrun with mint in my sunny beds, so I am afraid to try it. Extremely hardy; deep purple-bronze foliage in full sun, blue flowers. Also known as Bugleweed, this is one of the most commonly planted ground covers for shady areas. Selections with bronze- or metallic-tinted leaves keep color best in full sun. Will tolerate occasional dry soil but prefers regular watering. As long as you continue feeding with compost, you will not need to fertilize your plants. Shop 9-pack carpet bugleweed in tray (l16614) in the ground cover section of Lowes.com. The plants do best in rich, well-drained soil. Mint is an aggressive spreader so it is no surprise that bugleweed is also an aggressive spreader. Noteworthy Characteristics. The flowers of bugleweed are normally bluish to purple but they can be found in white as well. Can be walked on, mowed over and generally abused. There are some promising new varieties with dark purple leaves, like Ajuga "Atropurpurea", bronze leave varieties, like "Gaiety", and some edged with white, such as "Silver Beauty". Bugleweed Plants include several highly variable plants in the Ajuga genus. Light foot traffic. It is usually purchased as plants from a nursery. It offers bright, semi-evergreen foliage and showy flower spikes in amazing shades of blue. www.robsplants.com Bugleweed is a perennial flower that comes in varieties. Bugleweed tends to prefer areas that are slightly shady and damp although it is drought tolerant. Bugleweed, (genus Ajuga), genus of about 40 species of Eurasian plants of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Water weekly until they become established, then cut back watering to every 2 to 3 weeks. In spring, bulbous and tuberous plants, such as snowdrop (Leucojum) or snowdrop (Galanthus), can add colourful accents to the Günsel’s foliage decoration. Because the plants will grow in partial shade, it is perfect for adding color to a semi-shady corner of your yard. During the wintertime, Ajuga Reptans develops rich bronze and burgundy tones. Plants quickly form a low carpet of medium-sized leaves in an attractive bronze-purple shade. The low-growing habit and small leaves of the bugleweed cover the ground in a thick, lush layer of green, perfect for filling in among other plants in the landscape. Once they are established, you can cut back watering to once every 2 or 3 weeks. Carpet Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans): This is a very popular ground cover. As a ground cover, it can function like a grass. Division is best done after the plants have finished flowering. Change up the texture by weaving in the pale fuzzy pink rosy pussytoes. Bugleweed ground cover seeds grow so dense that weeds have almost no chance of germinating. 2-3" tall. It is typically found in damp grassy fields and around the edges of forests. Ajuga is typically grown in shady locations but will thrive just as well in the sun, albeit more slowly, making it much easier to control. Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans) is a flowering perennial plant that is native to Europe, the Near East and northern Africa. If you live in the southern portion of its range, avoid crowding the plants to prevent crown rot. If you use these as a ground covers place the plants 10 inches apart. During cooler weather, the plants turn quite dark and may lighten up somewhat during the heat of summer. And in addition to the traditional green foliage, this ground cover can also provide the landscape with stunning copper or purple-colored foliage too, making it great for adding year-round interest. Ajuga Bugleweed Ajuga Reptans is native to Europe, western Asia and Iran. Another way, which I’ve found to be useful, is by planting ajuga plants in a somewhat sunny area. Using a garden fork, carefully dig up the plants. And in addition to the traditional green foliage, this ground cover can also provide the landscape with stunning copper or purple-colored foliage too, making it great for adding year-round interest. The plant also likes fairly moist soil but is remarkably adaptable and will even tolerate a little drought. They can take sun to partial shade, although the foliage develops its best color in full sun. Ajuga bugleweed ground cover admin 06.09.2019 0 Comments Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, bugle, common bugle, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed and few more variations on the theme, is a treasure for any gardener. Ajuga flower seed, also known as Bugleweed, is a ground cover seed that produces plants that have short spikes of blue flowers. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. You will need to keep a sharp eye on your plants and quickly pull up any new plants that appear in places where they are not wanted. Once established, ajuga plants requires little care. A few sprigs of bugleweed around your lawn may add just a hint of welcome color, but the invasive perennial weed can quickly become the primary ground cover of your yard. Ajuga reptans, commonly called bugleweed, is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features shiny, dark green leaves.Whorls of tiny, blue-violet flowers appear in mid to late spring on spikes rising above the foliage to 10". Remove the flowers after they die to keep your plants looking neat. Special notes: Bugleweed is an excellent low-growing, evergreen groundcover. It was traditionally used by European gypsies for cosmetic purposes hence its common … Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Item # Crop Image Size Current Inventory; … The plants, which can be annuals or perennials, have attractive flowers that To divide your plants, wait until after they have finished blooming. After its introduction to North America by European colonists, it has become invasive in some parts of the US and Canada. The botanical name refers to the shape of the leaves that cover the flower. Newer cultivars have rose instead of purple or variegated leaves. Division may be necessary every few years in spring to prevent overcrowding and crown rot. Although it has pretty flowers and is available i… It spreads quickly by runners, making a mat of dark green leaves that grow 2 to 3 inches wide in full sun and 3 to 4 inches wide in part shade. Some people like to grow this as ground cover in their yards. Runners are also easy to redirect. These evergreen plants form dense mats of glossy leaves. It grows in both full sun and partial shade which gives you more choices where to use it. You will know when it is time to water when the top inch of the soil is dry. No matter which growing zone you garden in, eventually you will have to divide your bugleweed. You will notice that they are actually growing in individual clumps. Bloom time is late spring, May through early June. Its scientific name is Lycopus virginicus which is very closely related to Lycopus europaeus – its European cousin. Use this perennial as a foliar foil for blue or gray leaved semi-shade loving companion plants, such as Festuca 'Siskiyou Blue' or Stachys 'Helen von Stein' to … Its colorful foliage and unusual flowers add color to a semi-shady corner of your yard. It presents gardeners with a tough decision in plant selection. Use compost to enrich and aerate your soil especially if you have clay soil. Remove the spent flower heads. I’ve just discovered a beautiful ground cover for shady spots: bugleweed. Trailing-rooting ground covers have trailing stems that spread out from a central root system. There’s even a variegated form available. 4-6" tall x 12-15" wide. When you first install your plants, water them weekly as they settle into their new home. Removing some of the runners periodically can also help keep this ground cover in line. This particular selection is prized for its handsome evergreen foliage with deep burgundy-chocolate tones. Its glossy, sometimes colorful foliage forms rosettes that stay close to the ground, creating a dense carpet that suppresses weeds and controls erosion. Bugleweed: A Field Guide. However, when placed in strategic locations, its quick growth and mat-forming trait can provide instant coverage with only a few plants. You only want healthy, green plants. Water only when the top 1 inch of the soil is dry. Facts About Bugleweed. Bugleweed is a low-growing ground cover, usually staying under 6 inches. A fast-growing perennial, bugleweed forms a dense mat that prevents weeds from taking control. Skip to ... carpet bugleweed ground cover tray ground cover tray house plants tray annuals tray vines tray perennials tray plant bulbs tray seed starters tray fruit plants variegated liriope ground cover spearmint ground cover baby sun rose ground cover … Bugleweed is a dense, fast-growing groundcover. Plant in areas with good air circulation in hot, humid climates to prevent crown rot. The plant is popular as a ground cover because of its attractive leaves. Using a sharp knife, cut the stolons that have grown between each clump so that the clumps are separated. Ajuga ground cover spreads through runners, and as a member of the mint family, it can get out of control without proper care. The flowers grow in racemes (clusters of flowers on a stem) and are usually blue or violet-blue. This creeping evergreen plant quickly fills in empty areas, smothering out weeds while adding exceptional foliage color and blooms. The groundcover is also very suitable for fixing the ground on shady embankments. Bugleweed spreads readily via underground stolons and can invade your lawn or other nearby garden beds. Simple forms and light green or smooth foliage of companion plants will highlight the rough, scrubby texture of the bugleweed foliage. Bugleweed spreads using underground stolons. It looks lovely though, and I am sure the deer hate it. Bugleweeds are excellent both for the color of the leaves and the attractive flowers. Plant your bugleweed 12 inches apart and divide when it starts to get crowded. It is a trailing-rooting ground cover. Its mat-forming … Bugleweed is a member of the mint species. Basements Unless it’s really dry, ajuga can usually sustain itself with normal rainfall and there’s no need to fertilize this plant. It is self-seeding, so if you don’t want any unexpected pop-ups, deadheading would definitely help. Bugleweed flowers add color and interest to a shady spot. Simply lift them up and point them in the right direction and they will follow. Ajuga species can grow in either full sunlight or in the shade. You can also cut the runners and replant them elsewhere. One problem, though. Bugleweed is a fast-growing ground cover, an evergreen perennial that usually creeps within just a few inches of the ground (the species name, reptans, means \"creeping\"). It is relatively carefree, however, it … If you want faster coverage of the area, plant them closer together, about 6 – 9 inches apart. The flowers of bugleweed are normally bluish to purple but they can be found in white as well. It quickly spreads, is attractive year round, smothers weeds, and handles sun and shade. I will have to add that to my article. Height: 6-8 in Width: 12-18 in Soil Conditions: Moist/Well Drained Flower Color: Blue Bloom Time: April,May,June Hardiness Zone: 3 TO 9. Carefully examine each clump. Individual plants should be planted 12 inches apart. 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