Ajuga reptans - Bugle, Native Bog Plant

Ajuga reptans, known as bugle, is a UK native wild flower that forms a low mat of dark green, spoon-shaped evergreen leaves. From April to July it sends up short spikes of violet-blue flowers.

Bugle at a glance

Botanical name	Ajuga reptans
Common name	Bugle, common bugle
Plant type	Low, evergreen, mat-forming perennial
Height and spread	About 15–20 cm tall in flower, spreading 50–100 cm
Flowers	Violet-blue spikes, April to July
Position	Part shade or shade; some sun if the soil stays moist
Soil	Moist clay or loam; any pH
Pond depth	None – moist soil, not under water
Hardiness	RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to	UK and Ireland (native wild flower)

Is bugle a pond plant?

No. It is a ground-cover plant for moist soil, not a water plant. Use it on damp ground near a pond, at the edge of a bog garden or under shrubs, but not in wet mud or water.

Is bugle good for wildlife?

Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list. Visitors include the white-tailed bumblebee, common carder bee, green-veined white butterfly and silver Y moth.

How to plant and care for it

Plant from spring to late summer in moist soil. It spreads by runners over the surface to make ground cover, so pull up any that wander. It may get powdery mildew.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.