Blue Bugle

(Ajuga reptans)

Blue Bugle (Ajuga reptans)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ajuga reptans, commonly known as Blue Bugle, is an evergreen perennial herb native to woodland clearings, grasslands, and moist meadows in Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. It typically grows to a height of about 10 to 35 cm (4 to 14 in) with a spreading habit that makes it an excellent ground cover. The leaves are dark green with purple highlights, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds effectively. In spring, Ajuga reptans sends up erect flower stalks 10-15 cm (3.9-5.9 in) tall, bearing spikes of vibrant blue to purple flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers are quite showy and add a splash of color to the garden when they bloom.

Blue Bugle is valued for its low maintenance, rapid spread, and the ornamental quality of both its foliage and flowers. It is commonly used in gardens for ground cover, border planting, and in rock gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of conditions, including heavy clay. While it requires high amounts of water, it can also withstand periods of drought once established. Ajuga reptans can be invasive in some areas, so gardeners should consider its spreading nature when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Woodland clearings, grasslands, and moist meadows

Other Names

Common Names: Bugleherb, Carpetweed, Ajuga, Carpet Bugle, Carpet Bugleweed, Common Bugle, Creeping Bugleweed, Bugle, Krybende Læbeløs, Kriechender Günsel

Scientific Names: , Ajuga reptans, Ajuga repens, Ajuga pyramidalis, Ajuga vulgaris subsp. reptans, Ajuga vulgaris, Ajuga reptans var. alpina, Ajuga reptans var. albiflora, Ajuga stolonifera, Ajuga reptans var. alba

GBIF Accepted Name: Ajuga reptans L.