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How to Grow Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' Plants in your Garden

Ajuga reptans Burgundy glow is commonly known simply as Burgundy glow or Bugleweed, and is a popular garden plant; often seen in planters or used as ground cover.

Burgundy glow plants grow well in US hardiness zones four through 11 (UK hardiness H7 – hardy even at temperatures below – 20°C (- 4°F)).

Ajuga reptans Burgundy Glow leaves
Ajuga reptans Burgundy Glow makes a fantastic ground coverage plant, image by Jerzy Opioła; CC.

The leaves of the burgundy glow are a variegated deep green, pink, and purple (burgundy), and in the spring, carry a delicate blue flowers blossom.

Bugle burgundy glow
Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' photograph by Cob Lands.

These plants are relatively small, growing to only about 6 inches tall (15 cm), with a 6 to 12 inch spread (15 to 30 cm).

The flowers, however, grow on tall spikes, reaching about half a foot (15 cm) above the plant itself.

The leaves and flowers of this creeping perennial are quite dense, so burgundy glow is an excellent choice for filling blank spaces and for out-competing weeds.

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Bugle Burgundy Glow

Although these plants are tolerant of a wide variety of sunlight conditions and can grow in both full sun or deep shade, the best colors will be achieved by planting them in areas that receive partial sunlight.

Too much sun can often cause the colors of the Ajuga reptans burgundy glow to fade.

BurgundyGlow flowers
Burgundy Glow in bloom, image by Ghislain118 See also (AD) http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net; CC.

It should be planted in soil that remains moist but drains well. Soil that stays quite wet can cause root rot and other health issues.

Because it's so low to the ground, Ajuga reptans is susceptible to crown rot. Keeping overcrowding to a minimum by spacing plants apart and ensuring that each plant has enough airflow can help to reduce this issue.

These plants grow quickly, but they can be trimmed after they flower. Dead flowers should also be removed.

Extra plants can be propagated from the division of rooted stems.

Ajuga reptans Burgundy Glow Growing and Care Guide

  • Scientific Name: Ajuga reptans Burgundy Glow
  • Common Name: Bugle burgundy glow
  • Growing Zone: USA: 3 to 9, UK: H7.
  • Life Cycle / Plant Type: Herbaceous, Perennial

Plant Details

  • Plant Height (Inches): 3 to 6
  • Plant Spread (Inches): 24 to 36
  • Time of Bloom: Mid spring to Mid summer
  • Flower Details: Blue
  • Leaf Foliage: Green, Purple, Silvery, Variegated
  • Fruit:
  • Growth Form: Prostrate, Spreading or horizontal

Ideal Growing Conditions

  • Best Light Conditions: shade to partial shade partial sun
  • Rate of Growth: Average pace
  • Suitable Soil Types: Adaptable, Clay, Loamy, Sandy, Well drained
  • Soil Moisture: Moist

Caring Conditions

  • Care:
  • Level of Maintenance: Low
  • Propagation: Division, separating rooted stems
  • How to Prune: Not usually required
  • Pests: Usually pest free
  • Diseases: Subject topowdery mildews

Further Information

  • Can Attract:
  • Tolerant of: Rabbit, Deer, Black Walnut
  • Best Garden Use: Border, Container, Ground cover, En masse , Rock garden, Woodland garden
  • Family: Lamiaceae.
  • Closely Related Species: Basil, Deadnettle, Lavender, Mint, Perilla, Sage, Thyme.

  • Miscellaneous: Attractive foliage, Naturalizing
  • Genus Detail: Ajuga
  • Further Reading and References: Here and Here

Close up of Burgundy Glow leaves
The leaves of Bugleweed Burgundy Glow are very attractive, photograph by David J. Stang; CC.

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