Ajuga reptans (A. repens)
Bugleweed, Bugle, Carpet Bugle

2-3
Northern Europe

Dense, mat-like groundcover
6-9 inches
Flowers usually violet-blue, sometimes red, white or purple, lower whorls of spike distant, the upper ones close.

Early to late spring

Leaves basal, entire or repandate, the basal and stem leaves oblong-elliptic or obovate, narrowed to a margined petiole, rounded at apex, the upper and floral ones elliptic or ovate, sessile, shiny green, square stems - semievergreen
Crown rot is the major problem of bugleweed, especially in thick plantings.
 
  • 'Alba' - White flowers and light green foliage.

  • 'Atropurpurea' - Dark bronze-purple leaves. Also listed as 'Purpurea. '

  • 'Braunherz' - This cultivar has the best deep purple foliage color of any selection available.

  • 'Bronze Beauty' - Waxy metallic bronze leaves.

  • 'Burgundy Glow' - Tricolored foliage composed of green, white and dark pink.

  • 'Burgundy Lace' - BIue flowers and shiny leaves with white and pink variegation.

  • 'Catlin's Giant' -5 inches long leaves make this one of the largest cultivars. It has blue flowers and bronze-green leaves.

  • 'Cristata' - Small, dark green leaves are strongly crinkled. The appearance of this cultivar may remind one of small spinach leaves. Incorrectly listed in the trade as 'Metallica Crispa'

  • 'Gaiety' - Similar to 'Bronze Beauty' but with darker foliage.

  • 'Jungle Beauty' - Unusual variegation composed of cream, purplish green and tinges of red and pink. Reversion does occur.

  • 'Jungle Beauty Improved' - Shiny mahogany-purple leaves forming an 8 inches mound. It is a vigorous grower that will have flower spikes 12 inches tall.

  • Jungle Green' - leaves are crisped, green and larger and more rounded than the species

  • 'Multicolor', 'Rainbow', 'tricolor' - has tricolored foliage similar to 'Burgundy Glow' but it is more vigorous.

  • 'Pink Beauty' - Light pink flowers and green foliage.

  • 'Purpurea'- foliage is medium to dark purple and the flowers are dark purple

  • 'Rosea' - flowers are rose pink

  • 'Silver Beauty' - Creamy white and green variegated leaves.

  • 'Tottenhamii' - leaves turn bronzish purple in the fall and the flowers are purple

  • 'Variegata' - a less vigorous form with leaves that are mottled creamy white and that scorch easily in full sun

 
Ajuga reptans hybridizes readily with Ajuga genevensis and Ajuga pyramidalis

 

 
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