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Plant Profile: Ajuga reptans

Ajuga reptans

Ajuga reptans - "Jungle Beauty"

Family: Lamiaceae

Common Name(s): Blue bugle, Bugleherb, Bugleweed, Carpetweed, Common bugle

Native to: Europe

Flowering: Summer

Watering: Water occasionally during the dry periods to promote growth.

Planting Aspect: Full sun to part shade

Preferred Climate: Temperate, Grassland


Description

Ajuga is a low growing, ground spreading perennial of indefinite spread with surface runners similar to strawberry plants and making a mat of leafy rosettes. In spring it sends up spikes of deep blue flowers up to 30cm tall and makes attractive ground covers, especially for shady places such as corners of courtyards. Jungle Beauty is a rather different Ajuga which is much larger, spreads more rapidly and has dark green leaves tinged with purple than the typical standard variety.


Cultivation

Ajuga are frost hardy, trouble free plants requiring little but moist soil and shelter from strong sun. They thrive in a range of climates from severe cold to subtropical. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth. No particular pests or diseases but protect them from snails and slugs.


Revised: 19th Dec 2009 @ 8:12 PM
Keywords: ajuga reptans, lamiaceae, ajuga, reptans, nursery, planting, plant