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Guide botanique

Ajuga.

Ajuga reptans

Prononciation uh-JOO-guh REP-tans

Aussi appelée Ajuga, Blue Bugle, Bugle, Bugleherb, Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed, Common Bugle

carpet bugle
Photo de Nasser Halaweh (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Bugleweed is a low-growing, spreading groundcover that's super tough and resilient. It's fantastic for filling in gaps in shady spots or cascading over walls. You'll love its attractive foliage and spikes of pretty blue flowers in spring.

En un coup d'œil

Care level
Easy
Plant type
Perennial groundcover
Light
Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light
medium
Water
Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size
6 inches tall, spreads indefinitely
Growth rate
fast
Hardiness
USDA 3 to 10
Bloom time
Late spring to early summer

Entretien

Keep this plant consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially in warmer weather. It thrives in partial shade but can tolerate more sun if kept well-watered. Trim it back after flowering to maintain its dense form and encourage fresh growth.

Watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; established plants are somewhat drought-tolerant.
Feeding
A light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer is usually sufficient.
Pruning
Cut back after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage a second bloom flush.
Repotting
Divide plants every couple of years to maintain vigor and manage spread.
Soil
Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Temperature
-34.4 to 26.7°C
Humidity
40 to 60%

Sécurité

People
Non-toxic
Pets
Non-toxic
Edibility
This plant is not intended for human consumption.

Comment l'identifier

  • Low-growing, spreading habit
  • Glossy, ovate to oblong leaves
  • Upright spikes of blue flowers
  • Forms dense mats
  • Often has variegated foliage cultivars
Height
0.1 to 0.15m
Spread
0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves
Green, Bronze, Variegated, evergreen
Flowers
Blue, Purple, 1 to 2cm

Problèmes courants

  • Slugs and snails These pests can chew holes in the leaves, especially in damp conditions.
  • Powdery mildew Can occur in humid conditions or when plants are overcrowded, causing white, powdery spots on leaves.
  • Crown rot Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil, leading to rot at the base of the plant.

La cultiver

Propagation
Division, Cuttings, Runners
When to plant
Spring, Autumn

Plant Bugleweed along paths or at the front of borders where its spreading habit can be appreciated and easily managed.

Bonnes associations

  • Hostas Hostas appreciate similar shady, moist conditions and provide a contrasting foliage texture.
  • Ferns Ferns add a delicate, textural element that complements the boldness of Bugleweed in shady garden areas.
  • Heuchera Heucheras offer a wide range of foliage colors and thrive in similar conditions, creating a vibrant groundcover.

À éloigner de

  • Very dry soil Bugleweed struggles and wilts without adequate moisture, especially in full sun.
  • Waterlogged soil Prolonged wet feet can lead to root and crown rot.

Espèces similaires

  • Creeping Thyme Both are low-growing groundcovers, but Creeping Thyme prefers sunnier, drier conditions and has fragrant foliage.
  • Pachysandra Pachysandra is another shade-loving groundcover, but it has a more upright growth habit and shinier leaves.

Science

Family
Lamiaceae
Genus
Ajuga
Order
Lamiales
Class
Magnoliopsida
Native range
Europe

Ajuga reptans thrives in moist, shaded woodlands and meadows, spreading by runners to form dense groundcover and outcompete other plants.

Value to wildlife
nectar source
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Uses
Groundcover, Erosion control, Edging, Rock gardens

Au fil des saisons

JFMAMJJASOND
Flowering
Fruiting
Foliage

Repères écologiques

Salinity
1/9
Soil reaction
6/9
Light
5/9
Temperature
7/9
Moisture
6/9
Nutrients
6/9

Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.

Ce qu'on demande souvent

Can Bugleweed grow in full sun?
Yes, it can tolerate full sun, but it prefers some shade and needs consistent moisture in sunny locations.
Is Bugleweed invasive?
In some regions, it can be considered aggressive due to its rapid spreading habit, but it's not typically classified as a noxious weed.
How do I control its spread?
Regular trimming after flowering helps manage its size and prevent it from encroaching too far.
Does it need fertilizer?
Generally, it doesn't require heavy fertilization; a light feeding once a year is usually enough.

D'où vient le nom

The genus name 'Ajuga' is derived from the Latin 'abire,' meaning 'to go away,' possibly referring to its medicinal properties. The species name 'reptans' means 'creeping,' describing its growth habit.

Bon à savoir

  • It's a fantastic plant for suppressing weeds.
  • Many cultivars offer attractive foliage colors like bronze or variegated patterns.
  • It spreads rapidly by sending out runners.
  • Its low-growing nature makes it ideal for covering bare soil.

Ton ajuga a mauvaise mine ?

Cette page est un guide général. Pocket Botanist diagnostique les problèmes directement à partir d'une photo de ta plante, adapte l'arrosage à sa luminosité et te prévient quand il faut t'en occuper.

Télécharger l'appli

Ce guide a été généré par IA et vérifié avec la taxonomie du GBIF. Il s'agit d'informations générales, et non de conseils horticoles ou vétérinaires. Découvre comment nous concevons ces guides.