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Carpet Bugleweed (Ajuga)
Example of approximately what these plants look like when shipped. See the eighth photograph of any plant to see a photo of what it looks like when shipped.Ajuga reptans (AKA Carpet Bugleweed, Creeping Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, and Carpenter’s Herb) offers such striking, texturally rich foliage in a broad range of colors including an almost black that gardeners are constantly seeking this perennial groundcover.
An absolute visual treat, you'll be thrilled using Ajugas as a substitute for turf grass (especially under trees such as walnut where grasses refuse to grow and mowing over tree roots is dangerous). Vibrant and generous spring flower spikes in a range of lilac tones promise to attract butterflies.
Willing to tolerate infrequent foot traffic, you simply can't beat the beauty and hardiness of our Ajugas. We love using Ajuga as a complete groundcover in gardens because it replaces the need for mulches. It's pretty likely you'll want more than one type giving your garden vivid color variety.
An absolute visual treat, you'll be thrilled using Ajugas as a substitute for turf grass (especially under trees such as walnut where grasses refuse to grow and mowing over tree roots is dangerous). Vibrant and generous spring flower spikes in a range of lilac tones promise to attract butterflies.
Willing to tolerate infrequent foot traffic, you simply can't beat the beauty and hardiness of our Ajugas. We love using Ajuga as a complete groundcover in gardens because it replaces the need for mulches. It's pretty likely you'll want more than one type giving your garden vivid color variety.
See photographs comparing average sizes of some bare roots and potted plants
Product
 Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {3 1/2 in. Pots
min 25}25 - 249: $5.97 each | 250 - 999: $5.67 each (Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Scalloped, leathery burgundy foliage prized for almost black appearance. Deep lilac blooms appear on 8-10" spikes. 3-6" tall. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in } 1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $103.86 ($5.77 per plant) (Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Scalloped, leathery burgundy foliage prized for almost black appearance. Deep lilac blooms appear on 8-10" spikes. 3-6" tall. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {flat of 50 Peat Pots - 2 1/4 in } 1 flat of 50 2.25" peat pots: $198.50 ($3.97 per plant) (Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Scalloped, leathery burgundy foliage prized for almost black appearance. Deep lilac blooms appear on 8-10" spikes. 3-6" tall. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {tray of 72 cells} 1 flat of 72 cells: $213.84 ($2.97 per plant) (Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Scalloped, leathery burgundy foliage prized for almost black appearance. Deep lilac blooms appear on 8-10" spikes. 3-6" tall. In stock. |
 Bugleweed 'Bronze Beauty' {3 1/2 in. Pots
min 25}25 - 249: $5.67 each | 250 - 999: $5.37 each (Ajuga Gaiety, Gaiety Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Glossy variegated purple-bronze leaves up to 3" long, 3-5" tall, with 2" lilac flower spikes in early spring. Spreads rapidly, tolerates foot traffic. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Bronze Beauty' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in } 1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $96.66 ($5.37 per plant) (Ajuga Gaiety, Gaiety Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Glossy variegated purple-bronze leaves up to 3" long, 3-5" tall, with 2" lilac flower spikes in early spring. Spreads rapidly, tolerates foot traffic. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Bronze Beauty' {flat of 50 Peat Pots - 2 1/4 in } 1 flat of 50 2.25" peat pots: $173.50 ($3.47 per plant) (Ajuga Gaiety, Gaiety Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Glossy variegated purple-bronze leaves up to 3" long, 3-5" tall, with 2" lilac flower spikes in early spring. Spreads rapidly, tolerates foot traffic. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Bronze Beauty' {tray of 72 cells} 1 flat of 72 cells: $213.84 ($2.97 per plant) (Ajuga Gaiety, Gaiety Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Glossy variegated purple-bronze leaves up to 3" long, 3-5" tall, with 2" lilac flower spikes in early spring. Spreads rapidly, tolerates foot traffic. Temporarily out of stock. Expected 12/02/24.Email when available |
 Bugleweed 'Burgundy Glow' {3 1/2 in. Pots
min 25}25 - 249: $5.67 each | 250 - 999: $5.37 each (Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb, Burgundy Lace) A stunning trio of mint, ivory, and burgundy/salmon foliage with six-inch indigo blue flower spikes in mid-spring to early-summer. Spreads rapidly. 3-6" tall. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Burgundy Glow' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/4 in } 1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $96.66 ($5.37 per plant) (Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb, Burgundy Lace) A stunning trio of mint, ivory, and burgundy/salmon foliage with six-inch indigo blue flower spikes in mid-spring to early-summer. Spreads rapidly. 3-6" tall. Temporarily out of stock. Expected date unknown.Email when available |
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Bugleweed 'Burgundy Glow' {flat of 50 Peat Pots - 2 1/4 in } 1 flat of 50 2.25" peat pots: $173.50 ($3.47 per plant) (Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb, Burgundy Lace) A stunning trio of mint, ivory, and burgundy/salmon foliage with six-inch indigo blue flower spikes in mid-spring to early-summer. Spreads rapidly. 3-6" tall. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Burgundy Glow' {tray of 72 cells} 1 flat of 72 cells: $200.88 ($2.79 per plant) (Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb, Burgundy Lace) A stunning trio of mint, ivory, and burgundy/salmon foliage with six-inch indigo blue flower spikes in mid-spring to early-summer. Spreads rapidly. 3-6" tall. In stock. |
 Bugleweed 'Catlin's Giant' {3 1/2 in. Pots
min 25}25 - 249: $5.67 each | 250 - 999: $5.37 each (Giant Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Variegated rosettes of rapidly spreading purple-bronze foliage (5-7" tall) with profuse deep blue-purple flowers on spikes up to 8-10" tall in early spring. Light foot traffic. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Catlin's Giant' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/2 in } 1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $96.66 ($5.37 per plant) (Giant Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Variegated rosettes of rapidly spreading purple-bronze foliage (5-7" tall) with profuse deep blue-purple flowers on spikes up to 8-10" tall in early spring. Light foot traffic. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Catlin's Giant' {tray of 72 cells} 1 flat of 72 cells: $205.20 ($2.85 per plant) (Giant Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Variegated rosettes of rapidly spreading purple-bronze foliage (5-7" tall) with profuse deep blue-purple flowers on spikes up to 8-10" tall in early spring. Light foot traffic. In stock. |
 Bugleweed 'Chocolate Chip' {3 1/2 in. Pots
min 25}25 - 249: $5.67 each | 250 - 999: $5.37 each ('Valfredda', Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Compact, variegated emerald foliage with rich chocolate and burgundy highlights on a rapidly spreading ground cover with deep blue 2" flower spikes. Light foot traffic. 2-3" tall. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Chocolate Chip' {flat of 18 Pots - 3 1/2 in } 1 flat of 18 3 1/2" pots: $96.66 ($5.37 per plant) ('Valfredda', Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Compact, variegated emerald foliage with rich chocolate and burgundy highlights on a rapidly spreading ground cover with deep blue 2" flower spikes. Light foot traffic. 2-3" tall. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Chocolate Chip' {flat of 32 Pots - 2 1/2 in } 1 flat of 32 2.5" pots: $127.04 ($3.97 per plant) ('Valfredda', Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Compact, variegated emerald foliage with rich chocolate and burgundy highlights on a rapidly spreading ground cover with deep blue 2" flower spikes. Light foot traffic. 2-3" tall. In stock. |
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Bugleweed 'Chocolate Chip' {tray of 72 cells} 1 flat of 72 cells: $213.84 ($2.97 per plant) ('Valfredda', Creeping Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort, Carpenter's Herb) Compact, variegated emerald foliage with rich chocolate and burgundy highlights on a rapidly spreading ground cover with deep blue 2" flower spikes. Light foot traffic. 2-3" tall. In stock. |
 Bugleweed 'Mahogany' {tray of 72 cells}1 flat of 72 cells: $200.88 ($2.79 per plant) Bugleweed 'Mahogany' grows 4 to 6 inches tall and thrives in full sun, partial shade, or full shade. Its rich mahogany foliage and delicate blooms add striking color and texture to any garden. In stock. |
Specifications
- Cold hardiness zone: 3-10 (-40 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
- AHS Heat Zone: 9-1
- Light:
Full sun 
Part sun 
Shade - Growth rate: Fast
- Mature height: varies by cultivar
- Spacing: 6-9"
- Tolerant of: Deer, Drought, Foot Traffic, Poor Soil, Rabbits, Salt
- pH of Soil: 4.0 - 8.5, Ideal pH: 5.5 - 6.5
- Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds
- Grows Under Trees: Conifer - Yes, Walnut - Yes, Other - Yes
- Good for borders & edging: Yes
- Spreads by creeping: Yes
- Edible: Yes
- Good for erosion control: Yes
- Evergreen: Yes
- Good for slopes: Yes
- Variegated: Yes
- Weed suppressor (once established): Yes
| General information about Ajuga (Bugleweed) Ajuga reptans (commonly called Bugleweed) is noted for her striking range of foliage, colors, and textures. In mass plantings, the blanket of blue flowers is simply stunning. Because of her attractive tri-color foliage and spikes of blue flowers in spring, she is a frequent choice for planting under roses. A superb weed-suppressant, Ajuga creates a mat of semi-evergreen to evergreen, foliage that remains attractive all year round. She is also sought out because it is one of the few groundcovers that will grow under walnut trees. Growing Ajuga under trees offers gardeners who prefer not to mow under them because of the danger of large root systems a lovely solution to covering their ground. Because Ajuga will grow in shady areas, she is a terrific option for spots where grasses often fail to thrive. This makes her a perfect choice to replace turf grass, and even for growth on banks, slopes, and under shrubs. This is a plant most gardeners won’t do without. Things to Note The foliage color will be less vibrant in areas with no direct sunlight. For example, the Black Scallop and Bronze Beauty will be greener and the Burgundy Glow will have less burgundy. Be aware that variegated cultivars such as Black Scallop are hybridized or sports and occasionally she will revert. Watch out for any emerging green shoots. Immediately weed any such shoots out since they are much more vigorous than the variegated plant and will take over the clump. Speaking of foliage, keep in mind that the more direct sun Ajuga receives the more depth of color her foliage maintains. Plants such as Black Scallop or Bronze Beauty will become more green and Burgundy Glow will be less burgundy with less sunlight. Interesting Fact The leaves and young shoots of Ajuga cultivars are edible (but a bit bitter) and add contrasting color to salads. |
Care
If desired, in order to rejuvenate the foliage, cut it back to the ground after flowering. Mow large areas of bugleweed with a lawn mower; however, in small patches, trim plants back with pruning shears or a weed trimmer. Does well in full shade, but its best foliage color is in part-sun locations (at least 3-4 hours of sun per day). Tolerates full sun in southern zones with ample moisture. Prefers loamy, well-drained soil but tolerates moderately dry ones. Avoid situations where it is wet for extended periods.
Do not plant Ajuga too deep, the very top of the root is best left above soil level. Do not overwater, let the top 2" of soil dry out before watering. Do not let it stay bone dry for extended periods, but Ajuga likes air to reach their roots and too much water hampers that. In areas where spreading is not desired, trim back the runners before they take root or prune ruthlessly once a year. Requires good drainage.
General information that applies to all plants:Do not plant Ajuga too deep, the very top of the root is best left above soil level. Do not overwater, let the top 2" of soil dry out before watering. Do not let it stay bone dry for extended periods, but Ajuga likes air to reach their roots and too much water hampers that. In areas where spreading is not desired, trim back the runners before they take root or prune ruthlessly once a year. Requires good drainage.
- Ground preparation, fertilization, pH
- Planting instructions
- Explanation and description of bare roots
- How to plant bare root plants
- If you cannot plant bare roots right away
Shipping
| If you are more than a one-day ship away, we do not recommend shipping this plant during the heat of summer (July-August). Although our shipments are expedited (at most three days in transit), this plant tends to suffer more than average plants when shipped during hot weather (sometimes melting into mush). You may order them, but understand that we will not replace or refund should any perish. (more) You may specify a future ship date when you checkout. |
Precise delivery - another benefit from shopping with us is that you know how many days delivery will take and can control exactly when your order will be shipped.
Shipping information that applies to all plants:
- Transit Time For Your Shipment (at most 3 days)
- When We Ship
- You May Specify Your Shipping Date
- Lookup Shipping Date and Tracking Information
- Special Delivery Instructions
- No Shipments To: AK, AZ, CA, HI, NV, OR, WA or internationally
- Changing Your Shipping Date
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