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Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans
Bugleweed blooms from April through June.
Mature size, hardiness zones, sun and the trait tags were checked against named botanical sources for this plant. The bloom months and water need on this page were not.
Growing Bugleweed
Plant it in part shade. It prefers moderate water. It is hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Expect it to reach about 6 in tall and 1.3 ft wide at maturity, in roughly 2 years.
When to plant Bugleweed
Plant Bugleweed in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in early fall at least six weeks before your first frost, so roots establish in cool weather. For the middle of its hardy zones 3 to 9 range, spring means March to May and fall means August or September. Once settled, it blooms from April to June.
Month-by-month timing for your zone is on the planting calendar: for the middle of its range, start with zone 6 in March.
Good to know about Bugleweed
Curated from university extensions, botanic gardens and other primary sources, with the source named on every note.
Worth knowing
The aggressive runners are double-edged: the same vigor that lets it invade lawns makes it a superb weed-smothering groundcover under trees. Contain it, and the liability becomes the asset. per NC State
Invasive status varies by region
All sources agree it spreads aggressively; only the formal invasive label differs by region. NC State calls it low threat; Maryland and Florida say avoid it. Check your local list. per NC State and University of Maryland
Guard against crown rot
Its top killer is crown rot (Southern blight), a soil fungus that strikes in hot, wet, poorly drained ground. There is no cure, so ensure sharp drainage. per NC State and Clemson
Deer and rabbit resistant
Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone, a useful trait for a shade groundcover where browsing pressure is high. per NC State
Feeds spring pollinators
The spring flower spikes draw bees, including bumblebees, plus hummingbirds and butterflies, adding pollinator value to a shady groundcover. per NC State
Evergreen in mild winters
It is a broadleaf evergreen, holding glossy foliage through winter in mild climates, but in the coldest zones it drops or bronzes some leaves (semi-evergreen). per NC State and University of Florida
What pairs well with Bugleweed
Good companions share its growing conditions and add something it lacks: an earlier or later bloom, a lower carpet in front, or structure through winter.
Summersweet
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in midsummer as this one finishes; stands well above at 5.9 ft, a canopy to plant beneath; a soft color beside the blue.
Beautyberry
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate water; overlaps, then carries the display into midsummer; stands well above at 4.9 ft, a canopy to plant beneath.
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate to high water; overlaps, then carries the display into early fall; stands well above at 4.9 ft, a canopy to plant beneath; echoes the blue.
Goatsbeard
Shares part shade and moderate water; overlaps, then carries the display into midsummer; stands well above at 3.9 ft, a canopy to plant beneath; a soft color beside the blue; this one spreads, so it will crowd its neighbor in time.
Ostrich Fern
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; stands well above at 3.9 ft, a canopy to plant beneath.
Ligularia
Shares part shade and moderate to high water; blooms in midsummer as this one finishes; stands well above at 3.9 ft, a canopy to plant beneath; orange against blue, for contrast; this one spreads, so it will crowd its neighbor in time.
Mint
Takes part sun to part shade and moderate to high water; overlaps, then carries the display into late summer; taller at 1.6 ft, for the layer behind it; purple sits close to blue on the wheel.
Northern Sea Oats
Shares part shade and moderate water; blooms in midsummer as this one finishes; stands well above at 3.3 ft, a canopy to plant beneath; orange against blue, for contrast; this one spreads, so it will crowd its neighbor in time.
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