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 |
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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 |