Description
Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’: A Complete Guide to This Colorful Groundcover
A Bold Groundcover with Three Seasons of Color
Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ is a small but striking perennial often chosen for its richly variegated foliage and vibrant spring blooms. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is widely appreciated as a versatile groundcover that thrives in difficult spots. The leaves display a unique blend of burgundy, cream, and green tones, creating a tapestry of color in garden beds, borders, and containers.
This plant is also commonly known as bugleweed, a name that comes from the shape of its flowers, which resemble tiny trumpets. It forms dense mats that suppress weeds, reduce erosion, and provide continuous interest through most of the year.
Key Characteristics
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Botanical Name: Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’
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Common Names: Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle
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Plant Type: Perennial groundcover
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Foliage: Variegated burgundy, cream, and green
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Flower Color: Blue to violet spikes in spring
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Mature Size: 4–6 inches tall; spreads 12–24 inches or more
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Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3–9
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Growth Habit: Low-growing, creeping, mat-forming
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Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
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Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and poor soils
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Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Why Gardeners Love ‘Burgundy Glow’
Vibrant, Year-Round Color
The foliage is the star of this plant. Unlike many groundcovers that fade into the background, ‘Burgundy Glow’ delivers constant color shifts. In spring, new growth emerges with vivid burgundy and pink highlights, blending into cream and green through summer and fall. Even in mild winters, the foliage remains attractive.
Weed-Suppressing Carpet
Its dense growth habit makes it a living mulch. Once established, it crowds out weeds, reducing maintenance and creating a clean, unified look in garden beds or under trees.
Pollinator-Friendly Flowers
In late spring, spires of deep blue to violet flowers rise above the foliage. These nectar-rich blooms attract bees and butterflies, adding another layer of life to your garden.
Versatile Planting Options
‘Burgundy Glow’ adapts well to different settings: under shrubs, between stepping stones, along pathways, or spilling from containers. Its tolerance for shade and uneven soil makes it a favorite for tricky spots where other plants struggle.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Light
‘Burgundy Glow’ grows best in part shade but will tolerate full sun in cooler climates. In hot areas, afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch and keeps the foliage vibrant.
Soil
This plant is not picky about soil quality but prefers well-draining conditions. It tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils and grows well in average garden soil. Enriching the soil with compost at planting time encourages faster establishment.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist during the first growing season. After it establishes, Ajuga can handle short dry periods, but consistent moisture produces the healthiest foliage. Avoid soggy conditions, which may lead to crown rot.
Temperature and Hardiness
Hardy from USDA Zones 3 to 9, this plant handles cold winters and warm summers equally well. In very cold climates, evergreen foliage may bronze in winter but will recover in spring.
How to Plant Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’
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Prepare the Site: Remove weeds and loosen the soil 6–8 inches deep. Mix in compost for added fertility and drainage.
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Spacing: Place plants 8–12 inches apart to allow room for spreading. They will knit together over time to form a dense mat.
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Planting Depth: Set crowns at soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot.
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Water Thoroughly: Water well after planting and continue to water regularly until roots establish.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Watering
Water deeply during prolonged dry spells. Ajuga prefers evenly moist soil but is surprisingly resilient once established.
Fertilizing
Ajuga doesn’t need heavy feeding. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer or compost in early spring to support vibrant growth.
Pruning and Cleanup
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After flowering, shear back flower spikes to tidy up the plant.
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If foliage becomes ragged, trim lightly to encourage fresh growth.
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Divide overcrowded mats every 2–3 years to rejuvenate plants and prevent disease buildup.
Mulching
A thin layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture and reduces weeds during the first growing season. Avoid piling mulch directly on the crowns.
Controlling Spread
Ajuga reptans spreads by stolons, forming a natural carpet. While this is great for groundcover, it can become invasive in some areas if not monitored. Contain its spread by:
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Installing edging or barriers along beds.
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Regularly pulling runners that escape into unwanted spaces.
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Using containers or raised beds to limit growth.
Companion Planting Ideas
‘Burgundy Glow’ pairs beautifully with other shade-loving and woodland plants, such as:
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Hostas (green or blue varieties enhance contrast)
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Heucheras (coral bells with burgundy or lime foliage)
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Ferns (soft textures complement Ajuga’s bold leaves)
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Astilbe (feathery blooms add vertical interest)
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Spring bulbs (like daffodils or tulips, which rise above the foliage in early spring)
Uses in the Landscape
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Groundcover: Ideal for slopes, under trees, or filling bare spots.
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Borders and Edging: Creates a colorful, low-maintenance border along walkways or garden beds.
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Containers: Provides a cascading effect in mixed planters.
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Erosion Control: Excellent for stabilizing soil on banks or inclines.
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Pollinator Gardens: Attracts bees and butterflies in spring with its blue blooms.
Common Problems and Solutions
Crown Rot
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Cause: Poor drainage or overly wet soil.
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Solution: Improve soil drainage; avoid overwatering.
Powdery Mildew
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Cause: High humidity and poor air circulation.
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Solution: Space plants properly; prune to increase airflow; use fungicidal spray if severe.
Invasiveness
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Cause: Rapid spread through stolons.
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Solution: Contain with edging or plant in defined spaces.
Propagation
Division
The easiest method is dividing clumps in spring or fall:
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Dig up a portion of the mat.
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Separate rooted sections.
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Replant divisions at desired spacing and water well.
Stolons
You can also root stolons (runners) directly in soil or in pots. Once rooted, transplant them where needed.
Seasonal Interest
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Spring: Blue flower spikes rise above colorful foliage.
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Summer: Foliage remains vibrant and weed-suppressing.
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Fall: Leaves deepen in color, often taking on richer burgundy tones.
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Winter: Evergreen in mild climates; semi-evergreen in colder regions.
Why Choose ‘Burgundy Glow’ for Your Garden?
This plant offers an unbeatable combination of beauty, toughness, and versatility. It brightens shady corners, softens hard edges, and creates a living carpet that changes with the seasons. Whether used as a low-maintenance groundcover, a pop of color in containers, or a companion to other perennials, Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’ earns its place in gardens big and small.
Bringing Lasting Color to Your Garden Spaces
Few groundcovers deliver so much impact with so little effort. ‘Burgundy Glow’ gives us bold foliage, pollinator-friendly blooms, and the ability to thrive in challenging spots. It works in sun, shade, and everything in between. And once it settles in, it keeps giving year after year.
This is the kind of plant that turns ordinary spaces into vibrant garden tapestries. Plant it once, nurture it as it spreads, and enjoy the living mosaic it creates across the seasons.
