Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow')
Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' provides stunning tricolored ground cover and blue flowers. Low maintenance Bugleweed is hardy in zones 3-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ is a prized herbaceous perennial famous for its rapidly spreading, dense, mat-forming habit, making it an outstanding ground cover solution. This specific cultivar, Bugleweed, is highly valued for its distinctly tricolored foliage, featuring splashes of white and pink mixed across the green base, which brightens shaded areas throughout the growing season. Unlike the standard green forms, the stunning variegated foliage of Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ remains attractive even when not in bloom. This rugged plant offers low maintenance care while effectively choking out unwanted weeds beneath mature trees or on slopes.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
- Spread: 0.5-1 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ in spring or fall into average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils. While it tolerates dryness once established, this Bugleweed thrives where moisture is consistent. For the most vibrant foliage coloration in Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’, ensure the location receives at least 3–4 hours of direct sunlight daily; full shade will cause the variegation to diminish slightly.
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment. Fertilizing is rarely required given its vigorous nature. Pruning is minimal; plants can be cut back hard after flowering to refresh the look of the foliage. Space new plants about 6 to 9 inches apart to achieve prompt, dense coverage.
Be vigilant about checking variegated forms; non-variegated (all green) leaves can appear due to reversion. Promptly remove these rogue shoots by hand to maintain the unique ‘Burgundy Glow’ appearance. In hot, humid climates, ensure good air circulation to prevent crown rot, a primary cultural concern.
Landscape Uses
The primary role for Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ is as an aggressive, spreading ground cover, perfect for filling those large, difficult shady areas where turf grass struggles to survive. It excels on banks and slopes, providing necessary erosion control while suppressing weeds underneath established shrubs or trees. Consider planting it over spring bulbs, such as snowdrops (Galanthus); the low foliage will hide the fading bulb leaves beautifully come late spring. Avoid planting this vigorous Bugleweed directly adjacent to lawns, as it will quickly creep into the turf, necessitating constant edging maintenance.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ajuga reptans, commonly called bugleweed, is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features shiny, dark green leaves. Cultivars of this species feature leaves with more interesting and varied foliage color. ‘Burgundy Glow’ features tricolored foliage (white, pink and green) and blue flowers on 6” spikes in late spring.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Black Walnut
Potential Problems
Crown rot is the most significant potential issue for Bugleweed, especially when sited in heavy, wet soils or during the high humidity found in southern regions. To mitigate this, always ensure excellent soil drainage and provide adequate space between plants for good air movement. If clumps become excessively dense or congested, plan to divide them; overcrowding exacerbates susceptibility to rot. Due to its spreading nature via stolons, be cautious when planting near sensitive perennial beds or areas where removal might become difficult later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bugleweed suitable for?
Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ is highly adaptable, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 10.
How large does Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ grow?
This herbaceous perennial typically achieves a maximum height between 0.5 and 0.75 feet tall, spreading out to cover an area between 0.5 and 1 foot wide.
What sun exposure does Bugleweed need?
This plant prefers full sun to part shade; however, ensure it receives at least a few hours of sun daily to maximize the intense tricolored foliage effect of Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’.
When does Bugleweed bloom?
This low-growing ground cover produces its characteristic blue flowers in spikes, generally blooming from May through June.
Conclusion
Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ provides exceptional aesthetic value through its striking, multi-toned foliage, making it a superior choice for dense ground cover applications. The low maintenance requirements and robust nature of this Bugleweed ensure it remains an easy addition to many garden spaces. Before planting, confirm your site conditions align with its preference for medium moisture and good drainage, and then enjoy watching this mat-former establish quickly.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’, focus on plants that share similar requirements for moisture retention and tolerance for partial shade. Hostas and Ferns are excellent partners; their architectural foliage contrasts beautifully with the creeping habit of the Bugleweed. For seasonal contrast, consider planting spring-blooming bulbs like Daffodils or Crocus underneath the canopy; the Ajuga foliage will cascade over the dying daffodil leaves, masking the decline. Since this plant spreads via stolons, avoid intentionally pairing it with other equally aggressive ground covers unless you are prepared to manage the resulting competition.
Propagation Tips
Propagation of Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ is extremely simple, primarily achieved through division of the creeping stolons. Anytime the plant is overcrowded, which happens quickly, you can lift sections of the mat and transplant them immediately to a new location. Because the stems root readily wherever they touch soil, you can also take stem cuttings in late spring or summer and nestle them into moist potting media or directly into the garden soil where they will root easily. This method ensures new plants retain the exact tricolored characteristics of the parent Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’.
