Bugle - Ajuga reptans 'Atropurpurea'- €4 per plant or 5 plants for €12

Ajuga reptans is an evergreen perennial hardy to -20 that makes an excellent ground cover plant, quickly forming a mat of glossy edible leaves. The flowers are favoured by bees and the dense mat formed by the plants provide shelter for many beneficial organisms.  This cultivar has dark purple foliage and provides excellent cover for very shady areas as well as well lit areas. When in full bloom, the carpet of blue underneath the  trees makes a striking display. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Most of Europe, including Britain, to S.W. Asia and N. Africa.
  • native habitat: Damp grassy fields and damp woods
  • family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Predators

  • Terrestrial molluscs can cause leaf damage 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full shade or semi shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 - 9
  • Shady area 
  • Grows well in dry shade
  • Prefers well drained soil

Known Hazards

  • The plant is said to be a narcotic hallucinogen that is known to have caused fatalities

Overview

  • Evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m by 0.6 m
  • It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to September.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees, lepidoptera, self.
  • The plant is self-fertile.
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.
  • It prefers dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought.

Characteristics

  • form: Evergreen perennial
  • layer :Ground Layer
  • habit: Prostrate
  • height x width (m):0.3 x 0.6

Products 

  • Leaf: Edible leaves and young shoots
  • Yield: All year round
  • Flowers: Nectary, attracting pollinators  
  • Medicinal:Bugle has a long history of use as a wound herb
  • Ground cover

Functions, behaviours

  • Year round ground cover
  • Flowers in mid spring 
  • Easy to propagate from division
  • Self pollinates
  • Noted for attracting wildlife
  • Low maintenance plant
If you would like this plant send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project