Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'
(AKA Creeping Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb, Burgundy Lace)

This Ajuga variety features variegated mint-green, ivory, and burgundy/salmon leaves, with six-inch indigo blue flower spikes in mid-spring to early-summer. 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 and other areas where mowing (such as over roots) can be dangerous.

Infrequent foot traffic is tolerated. Best used for edging, borders, as a ground cover, or beneath trees or larger shrubs. It prefers a well-drained shady location but also performs well in sunny areas. It spreads rapidly and is frost hardy.

Ajuga reptans is noted for the striking range of foliage colors and textures. Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' features tri-colored foliage (ivory, burgundy/salmon and mint-green) and indigo blue flowers on six-inch spikes in mid-spring to early summer. In mass plantings, the flower effect can be particularly dramatic. It is a superb plant for creating weed-suppressing groundcover which no garden should be without.

Ajuga is widely used for under planting roses for its attractive tri-colour foliage and spikes of striking deep blue flowers in spring. It creates a mat of semi-evergreen to evergreen (or should that be multi-coloured) foliage, attractive all year round. Attracts butterflies, 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 height 3-6 inches, spacing 6-9 inches apart. Tolerances: deer, drought, pollution, slopes.

USDA: Characteristics of Ajuga reptans

Full sun Part sun Shade

Zones: 3-10