Description
Ajuga reptans ‘Silver Queen’
Silver Queen Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans ‘Silver Queen’, or Silver Queen Bugleweed, is a beautiful perennial ground cover that lights up shaded gardens with its silver and green leaves. The creamy white edges create a soft glow, adding elegance and texture to borders, pathways, and under trees. In spring, tall spikes of blue-violet flowers rise above the foliage, attracting bees and butterflies. This plant is loved for its dense, spreading growth that suppresses weeds and fills bare spots with ease.
Key Features
Variegated Foliage
Silver-green leaves edged in creamy white add brightness to shady areas year-round.
Blue-Violet Flowers
Striking flower spikes appear in late spring, adding color and attracting pollinators.
Dense Ground Cover
Forms a thick mat that stabilizes soil, suppresses weeds, and protects slopes.
Low Maintenance
Hardy and adaptable, thriving in a wide range of garden conditions.
Versatile Landscaping Uses
Ideal for ground cover, edging, rock gardens, and containers.
How to Grow and Care
1. Location and Light
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Thrives in partial to full shade.
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Can tolerate some morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch.
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Hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and tolerant of frost.
2. Soil and Planting
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Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
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Adaptable to sandy or clay soils but avoid waterlogged areas.
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Space plants 6–9 inches apart to allow spreading.
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Water well after planting to establish roots.
3. Watering
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Likes consistent moisture, especially when young.
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Once established, tolerates short dry spells.
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Avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot.
4. Fertilizing
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
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Compost or well-rotted manure can boost soil health naturally.
5. Pruning and Maintenance
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Trim faded flower spikes to keep plants neat.
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Thin out crowded areas every few years to improve airflow and prevent fungal problems.
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Dense growth naturally suppresses weeds, reducing upkeep.
6. Propagation
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Easily spreads by stolons (runners).
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Divide clumps in spring or fall and replant.
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Detached rooted runners can also be transplanted.
7. Pests and Diseases
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Generally pest-resistant but may attract slugs and snails in damp conditions.
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Most common disease is crown rot caused by poor drainage; improve airflow and soil drainage to prevent it.
8. Winter Care
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Evergreen in mild climates; may die back in colder regions and regrow in spring.
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Add mulch in late fall to protect roots from deep freezes.
Landscaping Uses
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Ground Cover: Perfect for shady slopes, under trees, or bare patches.
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Borders and Edging: Creates a tidy frame for garden beds and paths.
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Rock Gardens: Adds color and texture among stones.
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Containers: Excellent in mixed planters where it spills over edges.
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Underplanting: Pairs beautifully beneath shrubs, perennials, and spring bulbs.
Companion Plants
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Hostas: Bold leaves contrast nicely with Ajuga’s fine texture.
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Ferns: Soft fronds complement Ajuga’s variegated foliage.
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Spring Bulbs: Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom above the mat of Ajuga.
Common Problems and Fixes
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Leaf Scorch: Caused by too much sun – move to shadier spot or water more often.
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Sparse Growth: Often due to poor soil – enrich with compost and fertilize lightly.
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Crown Rot: From overwatering or poor drainage – improve soil and thin crowded plants.
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Overcrowding: Naturally spreads – divide and thin plants every few years.
Why Grow Ajuga ‘Silver Queen’?
This plant offers four-season interest with minimal care. Its silver-edged leaves brighten dark corners, and its spring flowers draw pollinators. It’s hardy, adaptable, and thrives where many plants struggle. Whether filling gaps in shady beds, edging walkways, or spilling from containers, Ajuga ‘Silver Queen’ is a reliable and stunning choice for any garden.
A Garden Accent That Keeps Giving
Ajuga reptans ‘Silver Queen’ is more than just ground cover—it’s a living carpet that changes with the seasons. With silvery leaves, bursts of spring color, and low maintenance needs, it earns its spot in almost every style of garden. Plant it once, and enjoy a lush, glowing display year after year.
