Ajuga reptans 'BURGUNDY GLOW'

Bugle, brown bugle, or even bugleweed are the most common names for this handsome groundcovering plant which is native to Europe and some parts of West Asia. It is commonly found in moist woodlands as well as moist meadows and near streams and riverbanks where it forms more or less continuous belts or entire areas of glossy, dark green or brown foliage. From mid spring until summer appear short spikes of small, blue or lavender violet flowers.

Burgundy Glow, sometimes also called Tricolor, is a variegated form of groundcovering bugleweed. Its evergreen leaves are dull green, ovate, margined creamy white, and emerge with burgundy red hues and pink margins. From April till late spring rise only some 10-15 cm tall spikes composed of small, two-lipped, rich violet, slightly fragrant flowers which attract mostly bumblebees. Each layer of flowers is separated with a set of leaves which get smaller towards the top making a somewhat pagoda-like appearance. In late summer it repeats flowering on shorter, less prominent spikes.

For a clean plant it is best to remove the stems after flowering. Bugle spreads with aerial shoots which root as soon as they touch the ground (like strawberry plants). This way the plants form a dense, impenetrable groundcover. You can, however, also use it as an attractive pot plant or among other plants and by removing the shoots it will not edge them out.

It grows best in moderately moist, fertile soil in full sun or part shade. It does not like sandy dry, heavy, compacted or waterlogged soil but benefits from continuous supply of water. It will also live in slightly poor soil where it may manifest slightly weaker growth but commonly performs well. It is hardy to abt. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 26-05-2021