Ajuga reptans Burgundy Glow (Carpet Bugle)

Noted for its wonderful tricolored foliage, Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ (Carpet Bugle) is a popular low-growing perennial prized for its short spikes of pretty blue flowers and contrasting creamy-white, rose-burgundy, and dark green foliage. Spreading more slowly than many other varieties, ‘Burgundy Glow’ will form over time a thick mat of attractive, lustrous rosettes.

Noted for its wonderful tricolored foliage, Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' (Carpet Bugle) is a popular low-growing perennial prized for its short spikes of pretty blue flowers and contrasting creamy-white, rose-burgundy, and dark green foliage. Spreading more slowly than many other varieties, 'Burgundy Glow' will form over time a thick mat of attractive, lustrous rosettes. In fall, its older leaves take on a rich bronze hue, while the younger leaves have a rosy color, creating a multicolored effect. Ajuga reptans is valued as a wonderful spreader making a colorful groundcover, which will thrive in shady areas where grass has difficulty growing. Evergreen in most regions, it is perfect for planting between stepping stones or 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 in. tall (15 cm) and 8-10 in. wide (20-25 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 3
– 10

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 5"
– 6"
(12cm
– 15cm)
Spread 8"
– 10"
(20cm
– 25cm)
Spacing 10″ (25cm)
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, Edging, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow