Blue Bugle

(Ajuga genevensis)

Blue Bugle (Ajuga genevensis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ajuga genevensis, commonly known as Blue Bugle, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, open woodlands, and forest clearings in Europe to the Caucasus. It typically grows to a height of 10 to 30 cm and is evergreen, featuring long-stalked, obovate basal leaves that are shallowly lobed or toothed. The upright stems bear dense, terminal, spike-like inflorescences with flowers that are most commonly violet-blue, but can also be pink or white. The uppermost flowers are often flushed with blue, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal. Flowering occurs between April and July, and the flowers are particularly noted for their short upper lips with protruding stamens and pistil, which are attractive to pollinators.

Blue Bugle is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its vibrant flower spikes and its evergreen foliage, which provides year-round interest. It is commonly used in garden edges and borders due to its slower spread compared to other ground covers, making it less invasive and easier to manage. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to crown rot in overly wet conditions and may suffer from foliar diseases in humid climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.7 feet
  • Width: 0.3-0.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to grasslands, open woodlands, and forest clearings in Europe, the Middle East, and the Balkans

Other Names

Common Names: Upright Bugle, Geneva Bugleweed, Blue Bugleweed, Geneva Bugle, Erect Bugle, Fjeld-Læbeløs, Genfer Günsel, Hammasakankaali, Bugle De Genève, Zenevas Cekulinš

Scientific Names: , Ajuga genevensis, Ajuga montana, Ajuga vulgaris subsp. genevensis, Teucrium genevense, Ajuga genevensis var. arida, Ajuga genevensis var. grossidens, Ajuga genevensis var. elatior, Ajuga foliosa, Ajuga genevensis var. alpina

GBIF Accepted Name: Ajuga genevensis L.