Ajuga aka Black Leaved Bugle

Taxonomy

Ajuga, also known as bugleweed, ground pine, carpet bugle, or just bugle, is a genus of flowering plants in the Ajugeae tribe of the mint family Lamiaceae. There are over 60 species of annual or perennial, mostly herbaceous plants. They are native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. These low-growing, semi-evergreen perennials produce dense mats of grey-green foliage, narrowly bordered with creamy white. The new shoots are deep red, and the older leaves often flushed with bronze. In mid- to late spring, Ajuga produces short, upright spikes of tubular blue flowers interspersed with leaves. The foliage is unusually narrow, dark green, and overlaid with chocolate-brown during the cooler months, forming a very low mound. It is not as quick to spread as many larger selections, making it useful as a groundcover or edging plant in any shady area with reasonably moist soil. Ajuga is also nice in containers and tubs and combines beautifully with all kinds of spring-flowering bulbs. It is more disease-resistant than many older selections on the market and can be easily divided in spring or early fall. Sometimes listed as Ajuga × tenorii ‘Valfredda’, it was introduced into North America under the name Chocolate Chip.

Common names

Black Leaved Bugle, Bugle

How to care for Black Leaved Bugle

Difficulty

Black Leaved Bugle requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Black Leaved Bugle should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Black Leaved Bugle loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Black Leaved Bugle requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Black Leaved Bugle will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Black Leaved Bugle to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia