Ajuga reptans Blueberry Muffin (Carpet Bugle)

Fast-growing, Ajuga reptans ‘Blueberry Muffin’ (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous evergreen perennial prized for its blueberry-blue flowers and thick leaves, which quickly form a dense mat of attractive rosettes. Emerging with a bronze flush in mid-spring, the small but weather-resistant, green leaves contrast nicely with the lavender-blue flower spikes.

Fast-growing, Ajuga reptans 'Blueberry Muffin' (Carpet Bugle) is a vigorous evergreen perennial prized for its blueberry-blue flowers and thick leaves, which quickly form a dense mat of attractive rosettes. Emerging with a bronze flush in mid-spring, the small but weather-resistant, green leaves contrast nicely with the lavender-blue flower spikes, 8 in. tall (20 cm). Ajuga reptans is valued as a wonderful spreader making a colorful groundcover, which will thrive in shady areas where grass has difficulty growing. Perfect for planting between stepping stones, in wall crevices.

  • Gardeners treasure the showy foliage of Ajuga reptans and its carpet habit more than its flowers. Ground-hugging, this perennial plant grows up to 6-10 in. tall (15-25 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm), and remains attractive most of the year.
  • A part shade to full shade lover, it thrives in average, medium, well-drained soils and tolerates almost any soils provided they are moist and humusy. Will tolerate full sun if constant moisture is provided.
  • Provide good air circulation to avoid crown root problems. This plant is rabbit and deer resistant!
  • A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: groundcovers, on banks or slopes, under trees or shrubs. It is also great in containers!
  • Propagate by division, separating rooted stems.
  • Generally pest free. Watch for powdery mildews
  • May be mowed after flowering in order to get rid of the spent flower spikes and clean up the planting.
  • Ajuga reptans species is native to Europe. It is potentially invasive and may form dense evergreen mats that crowd out native vegetation.
  • Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
  • Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 9

Heat Zones 1
– 9

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ajuga – Carpet Bugles
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Mid,Late)
Height 6"
– 8"
(15cm
– 20cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 18″ (45cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow