Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' - Bugle, Pond Edge & Border Plant

Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' is a variegated garden form of bugle, a British native wild flower. It forms an evergreen mat of spoon-shaped leaves in silvery green suffused with deep wine-red, and from late spring to early summer it carries short spikes of deep blue flowers.

'Burgundy Glow' at a glance

Botanical name	Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'
Common name	Bugle, carpet bugle
Plant type	Low, evergreen, carpeting perennial
Height and spread	About 15 cm tall in flower, spreading 50–100 cm
Flowers	Deep blue, in short upright spikes, May and June
Position	Part shade (tolerates full shade)
Soil	Moist clay or loam, any pH; dislikes drying out
Pond depth	None – damp soil, not water
Hardiness	RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C)
Native to	Garden form of the UK native bugle

Is 'Burgundy Glow' a pond plant?

No. It is ground cover for damp pond edges and the margins of bog gardens, not a water plant. Plant it in moist soil above the water line. Part shade suits it best and prevents leaf scorch.

Does it spread?

Yes. It spreads quickly by surface runners to form ground cover and can wander into lawns or neighbouring plants, so give it room or trim the runners.

Is it good for wildlife?

Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list, and the flowers benefit bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

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.