How to Grow Ajuga genevensis Plants in your Garden

Ajuga genevensis belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This ground cover perennial is commonly called Blue bugle or Alpine bugle (Bugleweed).

The plant is loved by many gardeners for its 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 inches) blue flower spikes.

Blue bugle
Ajuga genevensis photograph by Rudolf Sch_fer.

The shiny dark green adds to the plant’s attractiveness when it blooms during the summer months.

The plant spread is about 60 cm (2 feet) and is generally considered to be non-invasive.

The Ajuga genevensis plant grows best in hardiness zones 3 – 10, and is hardy to UK H7.

Ajuga genevensis makes not only a good plant for ground cover, but it also makes for a great border plant.

Blue bugle
Blue bugle photograph by Rudolf Schäfer; CC.

It will add a splash of color to a rock or woodland garden. It is a useful plant if looking for help with erosion control slopes and banks.

It loves both sun and shady areas, making it perfect to place around trees. They can also make for an attractive container plant too.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Blue Bugle

It thrives well in most temperatures. However, if grown in hot, humid areas, make sure the plant is in a location where it gets good air circulation. If not, it can suffer from crown rot.

It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but it is not too picky about soil type.

It usually does not need any fertilizer unless soil quality is extremely poor.

Alpine bugle
Alpine bugle photograph by Radu Chibzii; CC.

Water often until the plant is established, then it just needs enough water to keep the soil moist.

It is recommended to cut off the flower spikes after the flowers have faded away.

The plant reproduces by underground runners. After the last frost, for propagation, simply dig up the runners and relocate them to other areas of the garden or landscape.

Ajuga genevensis Growing and Care Guide

Scientific Name: Ajuga genevensis
Common Name: Blue bugle
Growing Zone: USA: 3 to 10; UK H7.
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Perennial

Plant Details

Plant Height (Inches): 6 to 10
Plant Spread (Inches): 10 to 12
Time of Bloom: Late spring, Early summer
Flower Details: Blue
Leaf Foliage: Green, Purple, Variegated
Fruit:
Growth Form: Spreading / horizontal

Ideal Growing Conditions

Best Light Conditions: Shady to full sunlight
Rate of Growth: Average pace
Suitable Soil Types: Acidic, Clay, Loamy, Neutral, Sandy, Slightly alkaline, Well drained
Soil Moisture: Dry to Moist (Medium Moisture is likely gives best results)

Caring Conditions

Care:
Level of Maintenance:
Propagation:
How to Prune:
Pests: Usually pest free
Diseases: Usually pest free

Further Information

Can Attract: Birds
Tolerant of: Cold, deer
Best Garden Use: Border, Container, In the control of erosion, Ground cover, Rock garden, Woodland garden
Family: Lamiaceae.
Closely Related Species: Mints.

Miscellaneous: Attractive foliage, Non-native to North America, Naturalizing, Attractive flowers / blooms
Genus Detail: Ajuga
Further Reading and References: Flora of Wisconsin and Wikipedia

Dried and Pressed Ajuga genevensis Plants
Dried and Pressed Ajuga genevensis Plants image by JuVlai; CC.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Ajuga genevensis. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Salvia and Perilla plants.