Ajuga pyramidalis – Ajuga metallica – Pyramidal bugleweed – Bugleweed

Description

Ajuga – Bugleweed There are about 50 species of annuals and clump forming perennials that are semi evergreen to evergreen in this genus.  They spread by above and underground creeping roots may become invasive.  Derives from temperate Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.  They bear rosette of opposite leaves occasional toothed lengthen into spikes of 2 lipped tubular usually blue flowers from spring to early summer.  It’s a great ground cover in shaded moist areas. Their frost hardy trouble free plants that grow in moist soil in partial shade or part day sun.  Foliage may scorch in full sun although bronze and variegated develop best color in sun. Prone Southern blight, fungal root rot, snails and slugs damage. Ajuga pyramidalis – Ajuga metallica – Pyramidal bugleweed – This clump forming evergreen or semi evergreen perennial derives from Northern and Central Europe grows 6-10” tall and spreads to 3’ feet wide.  The basal rosette of egg shaped slightly toothed softly hairy, dark green leaves are 4 ½” long.  From spring to early summer deep blue or pale violet-blue sometimes pink or white ¾” flowers borne on dense pyramidal spikes 4” tall. Zones 3-9