Ajuga reptans / Creeping bugleweed

An evergreen groundcover for shade, with gorgeous blooms — what’s not to like? Well, a couple of potential problems, depending on which you select. Keep reading.

‘Catlin’s Giant’ is 8″ tall in bloom. ‘Cristata’ holds up well in harsh winters.

Uses

Shady sites. Can take light foot traffic and even occasional mowing.

Aggressive?

Barbara Ellis (below) describes it as “fast-spreading to invasive” with the ability to out-compete other perennials. I haven’t seen it be that vigorous in my area, but she may be referring to the faster-spreading plain old species, not the less vigorous types with variegated foliage that are quite well behaved. Author di Sabato-Aust says if your Ajuga is spreading aggressively, at least it’s easy to yank (unlike, say, liriope spicata or most famously, bamboo).

Details

• Full shade is fine, but part shade is best for good color. Will scorch in full sun.
• Grows to 3-4 inches, then 6 inches with blooms.
• Blue flowers on tall spikes late spring and early summer.
• Hardy in Zones 3-9.
• Native to the woodlands of Europe and Asia.
• Some varieties will return to their plain foliage, and some don’t ever bloom. (It happens!)
• Is reported to attract hummingbirds