Plant Profile: Bugleweed (Ajuga pyramidalis ‘Metallica Crispa’ )

 

If you like ajugas you will surely like this one. It bears tall royal blue flower spikes 4”-6” long and has a basal rosette of crinkly foliage that is brownish red in color and has a metallic luster. It has all the good points of the common ajuga (A. repens) but not its major fault, its rapidly spreading nature. One of its greatest virtues, in fact, is that it is well behaved and does not grow into the lawn. A. pyramidalis is an excellent ground cover.

Type: Herbaceous perennial.

Bloom: Royal blue spikes in spring; crinkly foliage attractive the rest of the season.

Size: 4”-6” H x 9”-12” W.

Light: Grows best in part shade but tolerates considerable sun if given adequate water.

Soil: Prefers sandy, well drained soil but tolerates clay.

Fertilizer: Apply 10:10:10 granular fertilizer after blooming the first year.

Hardiness: Zones 5-9.

Care: Make sure the plants do not dry out while getting established but do not let them sit in wet conditions either.

Pests and Diseases: Rarely suffers infection from crown rot; reduce risk by planting in area with good air circulation.

Propagation: Short stolons are produced in Fall and division may be undertaken at any time.

Outstanding Selections: A. pyramidalis ‘Pink Beauty’ is a pink flowered cultivar with 4”-5” pink flower spikes.