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Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea' (Ajuga)

A robust ground cover plant with distinctive purple leaves which form rosettes. Upright spikes of blue flowers appear in spring.


History

Originates from shady habitats throughout temperate Europe and Asia.


Planting

Water well before planting.  Dig a hole and loosen the surrounding soil with a fork, especially at the base. Place the plant in the hole so that the compost is at the same level as the surrounding soil. Fill in around the plant with loose soil and firm in the roots to secure the plant.  Water again after planting.


Propagation

Division & Cuttings.
 
Division - separate rooted stems in early summer.
 
Cuttings - take softwood cuttings in early summer.


Cultivation

Grows best in any moist, but well drained soil in sun or partial shade. This particular species will tolerate poor soil in full shade.


Aftercare

A robust plant with no special aftercare required. However to rejuvenate, minimise congestion and avoid crown rot; lift and divide clumps in late autumn or early spring every two years. Spent flower spikes can be removed to tidy up the plant and older leaves can be pruned back to ground level to rejuvenate the foliage.


Pests

Trouble free.


Diseases

Powdery mildew, Crown Rot.


Other information

The Royal Horticultural Society have given this plant its prestigious 'Award of Garden Merit'. Attractive to butterflies.


Height/Spread

A low growing, hardy, evergreen plant, that forms rosettes of waxy, deep purple leaves.  These provide a good backdrop for the densely packed, small upright spikes of bright blue flowers that appear in spring.



Annual care


May

Cut back the older leaves and spent flower spikes after flowering to rejuvenate the foliage and tidy up the plant.


June

Good time for propogation either by separating rooted stems or taking softwood cuttings.


October

Lift and divide or thin congested areas of Ajuga every two to three years.

Plant name
Ajuga
Latin name
Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'
Common name
Purple Bugle
Genus
Ajuga
Flower colour
Purple
Foliage colour
Dark Green
Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Soil type
any
Soil PH
any
Moisture
Moisture Retentive
Aspect
Partial Sun - Partial Shade
Hardiness
H (Fully Hardy) to -15°C
Leaf type
Evergreen
Life cycle
Perennial
Aspect
Normal
Min height
15 cm
Max height
20 cm
Min spread
60 cm
Max spread
90 cm