Bugleweed

Bugleweed (Ajuga spp.)

Carpet Bugleweed, Ajuga

Full sun to full shade, moderately moist to well-drained; tolerates clay soils; pH 5.5–7.0; deeper shade reduces flower density but foliage remains dense.

10–20 cm tall in flower, foliage mat 5–8 cm; blooms April–May with blue to purple flower spikes; spreads aggressively by stolons to form a weed-suppressing mat.

Division in spring or fall; stolons can be separated and transplanted directly.

Native region: Not native to Tennessee; ornamental introduction from Europe and Asia; widely naturalized in disturbed woodland edges across the state.

One of the most adaptable groundcovers for difficult sites in Middle Tennessee — functions under mature tree canopy, on clay banks, and in transitional zones between lawn and beds where grass establishment fails. Crown rot (Phytophthora spp.) is the primary pest problem and occurs most commonly in poorly drained clay or where plants are installed too densely; spacing at 30 cm on center and avoiding mulch piled against crowns reduces incidence significantly. The cultivar 'Burgundy Glow' with variegated white, pink, and bronze foliage and 'Catlin's Giant' with notably large leaves are widely grown in Zone 6b/7a. Can invade adjacent lawn areas in moist conditions — install a metal or plastic edging barrier where containment is needed.