Botanical Name: Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch'
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Common Name: Purple Torch Ajuga  
Plant photo of: Ajuga reptans 'Purple Torch'
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Brown, Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Half, Shade

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Invasive

Design Styles

English Cottage, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Tropical, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Mass Planting, Lawn Alternative, Naturalizing, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

‘Purple Torch’ is a stoloniferous, mat-forming, bugleweed cultivar, with rosettes of oval, shiny, dark green leaves typically form a 3 to 5 inch tall carpet. Spires of lavender-pink flowers appear in spring that rise well above the foliage to 12 inches tall. Foliage turns bronze in winter. When in full flower, large plantings can produce a striking floral display.
Plant in part to full shade, though best leaf color occurs with some sun. Prefers rich, organic soils that are well-drained. Spreads rapidly 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.