Common Name: Ajuga or Carpet Bugleweed
Scientific Name: Ajuga reptans 'Purpurea'
Family Name: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Serendipity Ranch
Columbus, North Carolina
April 10, 2002
Bumblebee
The popular ground cover ajuga. Spreads quickly by runners, making a mat of dark green leaves that grow 2 - 3 inches wide in full sun. 3 - 4 inches wide in part shade. Selections with bronze- or metallic-tinted leaves keep color best in full sun. Flowers, usually blue, are borne on 4 - 5 inch-high spikes. Plant in the spring or early fall 6 - 12 inches apart. Mow or trim off old flower spikes. Subject to root-knot nematodes; also susceptible to rot and fungal diseases where drainage or air circulation is poor. Many selections of this species are offered, some sold under several names. The following selections are among the best choices available:
Alba: Flowers are white.
Burgundy Glow: Green and pink leaves edged in white; blue flowers.
Purpurea: Usually has somewhat larger leaves tinted bronze or purple. Often sold as "Atropurpurea'.
Rosea: Pink flowers.
Variegata: Leaves edged and splotched with creamy yellow.
[Bender, Steve, Southern Living Garden Book, The. Oxmoor House, Inc., Book Division of Southern Progress Corporation, Birmingham, 1998]
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Alphabetical Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Family Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Genus Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z