Bugle (ajuga) Ajuga reptans
Bugle (ajuga) (Ajuga reptans) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe, North Africa and southwest Asia. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Bugle (ajuga) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe, North Africa and southwest Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇺🇸 United States |
| Invasive in | US (escapes from gardens into lawns and woodland in several states): check local rules before planting |
Is Bugle (ajuga) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bugle (ajuga)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Bugle (ajuga)
- How far apart should I plant Bugle (ajuga)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Bugle (ajuga) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bugle (ajuga) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Bugle (ajuga)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Bugle (ajuga) flower?
- From about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Bugle (ajuga) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Bugle (ajuga)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bugle (ajuga). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Spreads by surface runners; purple and variegated cultivars are less vigorous than the green species. Prone to crown rot in poorly drained, humid sites.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare