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.
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 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 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 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
Plant Details
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 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.
Found the insights on this site valuable? Then you're going to love my book: 'The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide'.
Upon purchase, receive the eBook in PDF, MOBI (for Kindle), and ePub (most e-readers and iPad) formats. Also available from Amazon USA, Amazon UK, and iBooks.
