Glossy variegated purple-bronze leaves up to 3" long, with 2" lilac flower spikes in early spring. One of the fastest spreading of the low-growing ground covers.

The rich foliage and spring flowers make this a popular choice for replacing turf grass, especially under trees (where mowing over roots can be dangerous). Occasional foot traffic is tolerated.

Happy in conditions ranging from drought to bogs. Great for edging ponds. Attractive to butterflies. It is useful for borders and edging and as a ground cover or beneath trees or larger shrubs. It prefers a well-drained shady location but also performs well in sunny areas. Spreads rapidly, frost hardy.

Ajuga reptans is noted for the striking range of foliage colors and textures. In mass plantings, the flower effect can be very dramatic. A superb plant for creating weed-suppressing groundcover which no garden should be without. Widely used for under planting roses for its attractive tri-colour foliage and spikes of blue flowers in spring. Creates a mat of semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage attractive all year round. One of the few groundcovers that will grow under walnut trees.

If desired, cut foliage back to the ground after flowering to rejuvenate the foliage. Mow large areas of bugleweed with a lawn mower; however, in small patches of Ajuga, trim plants back with pruning shears or weed trimmer. Where not wanted, trim back the runners before they take root.

Keep an eye out for reversion in variegated cultivars like this particular plant; occasionally a shoot will emerge that is all green (it is reverting back to the original species.) If this happens, weed it out since it is much more vigorous and will eventually take over the clump, smothering the slower growing variegated plants.

Mature size 3"-5" tall, space 6-9" apart. Tolerances: deer, drought, pollution, slopes.

USDA: Characteristics of Ajuga reptans