Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow' Growing Tips

Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow’s a creeping evergreen ground cover that many gardeners grow because of its dense mat growth, attractive green leaves with a bronze highlight, and pretty blue spring blooms.  If you are seeking a low-growing ground cover then grow Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'.

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I grow ajuga in my rock garden and under my butterfly bush. I also grow it amongst my hostas, ferns, and coleus. Ajuga reptans burgundy glow' is easy to grow and will spread quickly.

Purchase plants at a nursery or ask your friends if they grow ajuga. If they do grow the ajuga they may be transplanting in the spring, let them know that you are interested in trading plants. Trading is a good way to get healthy plants for your garden.   Offer your friend plants from your garden in exchange for healthy ajuga for your yard and garden.

Growing Tips

Select a garden site that features sun, part shade, and shade. The ideal garden site is one that has early morning sun, part shade in late morning, and shade in the heat of the day followed by the early evening sun.  An average of four hours of sun will enable the ajuga ground cover to produce healthy foliage and spring blooms.  Ajuga will tolerate full sun as long as the ground is evenly moist but not wet and well-drained.

Ajuga is not fussy about the type of soil as long as it is well-drained.  I find that when I add organic matter to the plants in early spring the leaves and flowers are healthier. 

Here is a photo of some annuals I planted in amongst the ajuga I think they add interest to the summer garden.

Get the growing site ready by removing the grass and loosen the soil to six inches.  Mix an inch of compost or organic matter into the soil and also add a time-release fertilizer. Wet the soil so that it is evenly moist but not wet prior to planting.

Dig a hole that is three inches deep. Place the plant in the center of the hole. Spread out the roots and then fill in the hole with the soil. Space one-foot in-between plants, to allow for the runners. Lightly water the newly planted ajuga so that the soil is evenly moist.

Care for Ajuga

Apply a thin layer of mulch. This mulch will help to retain moisture, keep the roots cool, and will prevent weed growth.

Set up an irrigation system.  Place the water system on a time; set to water the plants from 6 to 7 am daily. 

Feed in spring with spent coffee grounds or with all-purpose plant and flower fertilizer.

Tips and Warnings

• Grow ajuga amongst Hosta, Fern, and Astilbe
• Plant under shrubs or trees
• Fifty plants cover 200 square feet
• Ajuga is good for erosion control
• A low growing ground cover for zone 3-9
• Apply a layer of straw to protect ajuga during winter, remove the straw in early spring.