Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Blue

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Bronze, Dark Green, Purple

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Metallica bugleweed is a compact ajuga that forms tight rosettes of deep purple crinkled spinach-like leaves. In late spring, plants are topped with 6 inch stalks of tiny purple blue flowers. Slower growing and less spreading than A. reptans. Foliage grows about 3 inches tall, flower spires grow to 6 inches; spread is about 12 inches.

Plant in part to full shade, though best leaf color occurs with some sun. Prefers rich, organic soils that are well-drained. Spreads slowly by stolons and can be quite aggressive in lawns. Plants may be mowed on high setting after blooming in order to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy the appearance, though it isn't necessary. Goes dormant in winter and emerges in early to mid spring, depending on the weather. In shadier areas, it may require less-frequent watering.