Ajuga reptans aka Ajuga

Taxonomy

Ajuga reptans, also known as bugle, blue bugle, bugleherb, bugleweed, carpetweed, carpet bugleweed, and common bugle, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia, but has become invasive in certain parts of North America. Ajuga reptans is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover, with shiny, dark green leaves that grow 5-8 cm tall and have purple highlights. In mid to late spring, it sends up 10-15 cm tall flower stalks bearing clusters of tiny, blue-violet flowers. The flowers are frequently visited by flies, such as Rhingia campestris. Cultivars of this species feature leaves with more interesting and varied foliage color. When in full flower, large clumps of bugleweed can produce a striking display. Dense foliage will choke out weeds, but it is not particularly tolerant of foot traffic. Ajuga reptans is also a component of purple moor grass and rush pastures, a Biodiversity Action Plan habitat in the United Kingdom.

Common names

Ajuga, Bugle, Bugleweed

How to care for Ajuga

Difficulty

Ajuga presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Ajuga should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Ajuga 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Ajuga prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Ajuga to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Ajuga’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, to S.W. Asia and N. Africa.


More info:
Wikipedia