MBG Home Horticulture MBG Search
Home Page
Highlights
Pests
Plants of Merit
Master Search
PlantFinder Search
Search PlantFinder Names

Ajuga reptans 'Purple Brocade'

(2 ratings) --- Rate this plant / Read comments

Kemper Code:  U990

Common Name: bugleweed
Zone: 4 to 8
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Missouri Native: No
Native Range: None
Height: 0.5 to 0.75 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: May - June   Bloom Data
Bloom Color: Bluish purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low


Locate this plant at MBG

Plant Culture and Characteristics

Sources for this plant

View our source(s)

Where is this species invasive in the US?

 
  Uses:       Wildlife:   Flowers:   Leaves:   Fruit:
Hedge Suitable as annual Attracts birds Has showy flowers Leaves colorful Has showy fruit
Shade tree Culinary herb Attracts Has fragrant flowers Leaves fragrant Fruit edible
Street tree Vegetable   hummingbirds Flowers not showy Good fall color   Other:
Flowering tree Water garden plant Attracts Good cut flower Evergreen Winter interest
Gr. cover (<1') Will naturalize   butterflies Good dried flower     Thorns or spines

General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best foliage color in sun but also grows well in shade. Wide soil tolerance, but prefers moist, humusy soils. Provide good air circulation and divide when clumps become overcrowded. A slow growing plant that is less aggressive than many of the other ajugas. Plants may be mowed on high setting after blooming in order to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy the appearance of the planting.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

This bugleweed cultivar is a dense, stoloniferous, mat-forming ground cover which features thick purplish leaves with a brocaded texture. Whorls of tiny, dark bluish-purple flowers appear in mid to late spring on large spikes rising above the foliage (total height typically to 6-8"). When in full flower, large clumps of this plant can produce a striking display.

Problems: Click for detailed list of pests and problems.

No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot can be a problem, particularly in the humid conditions of the deep South and in wet, heavy soils.

Uses:

Primary use is as a ground cover. Will fill in large, shady areas where lawns are difficult to establish. May also be planted on banks or slopes, under trees or around shrubs. Can be planted over small spring bulbs.

© Missouri Botanical Garden, 2001-2010


More photos: