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(Ajuga australis)
Austral Bugle (Ajuga australis)
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Steve Bittinger
CC BY 2.0
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Steve Bittinger
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Steve Bittinger | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: sbittinger | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ajuga australis, commonly known as Austral Bugle, is an evergreen perennial herb native to a variety of habitats in Southeastern Australia, including open woodlands, grasslands, and forest margins. It typically forms a low-growing mat reaching up to 10 inches (25 cm) in height, with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). The plant features a rosette of dark green, glossy leaves and erect stems bearing whorls of tubular, two-lipped purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. Flowering occurs mainly in spring, though sporadic blooms can appear throughout the year. Austral Bugle is relatively short-lived, with individual plants lasting two to three years.
Austral Bugle is valued for its ground-covering ability, ornamental flowers, and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in garden borders, rockeries, and as underplanting for larger shrubs. This plant thrives in part shade to full sun and adapts to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it prefers consistent moisture, it can tolerate periods of drought once established. Ajuga australis can be propagated easily from cuttings, making it a convenient choice for gardeners looking to expand their plantings. However, gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it can spread aggressively, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Austral Bugle is valued for its ground-covering ability, ornamental flowers, and low maintenance requirements. It is often used in garden borders, rockeries, and as underplanting for larger shrubs. This plant thrives in part shade to full sun and adapts to a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it prefers consistent moisture, it can tolerate periods of drought once established. Ajuga australis can be propagated easily from cuttings, making it a convenient choice for gardeners looking to expand their plantings. However, gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it can spread aggressively, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-1.5 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, grasslands, and forest margins
Other Names
Common Names: Australian Bugle
Scientific Names: , Ajuga australis, Ajuga diemenica, Ajuga australis var. diemenica, Ajuga australis var. tridentata, Ajuga australis var. typica, Ajuga tridentata, Ajuga virgata,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ajuga australis R.Br.