Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’, commonly known as Bugleweed or Carpet Bugleweed, is a popular groundcover known for its striking, multi-colored foliage. This low-growing perennial features striking, multi-colored foliage, often deepening to bronze in the fall. Its vibrant appearance, coupled with spikes of blue flowers in spring, makes it a favored choice for gardeners seeking visual interest and effective ground coverage. Gardeners are drawn to its aesthetic appeal and hardiness, but its tendency to spread is a common concern.
The Spreading Nature of Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’
Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ spreads primarily through stolons, above-ground runners that root where they touch the soil, forming new plantlets. This growth habit, reflected in its botanical name Ajuga reptans (‘reptans’ means creeping), allows it to form dense, mat-like ground cover. While the species Ajuga reptans can be aggressive, ‘Burgundy Glow’ spreads more slowly than other varieties. It is an aggressive spreader rather than truly invasive, meaning it spreads enthusiastically but is usually manageable within a garden setting.
Several environmental conditions influence its rate of spread. It thrives in partial to full shade, tolerating full sun with consistent moisture. However, its vibrant foliage color is often best maintained with some morning sun and protection from intense afternoon sun, which can cause fading or scorching. It adapts to a wide range of well-drained soils, preferring moist, humus-rich conditions. In hot, humid environments, good air circulation prevents crown rot, which can hinder growth.
Managing and Containing Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’
Strategic planting helps manage Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’s spread. Placing it in naturally restricted areas, such as between stepping stones, along pathways, or within confined garden beds, helps control its growth. Containers also offer an effective way to enjoy its beauty without unchecked spreading. Hardscapes can define its boundaries.
Physical barriers, such as garden edging, can be installed to prevent runners from venturing into unwanted areas like lawns or other planting beds. Barriers should be deep enough to deter surface stolons. Regular inspection and manual removal of escaping runners are also effective. Runners can be easily clipped or pulled away from the main plant.
Proper disposal of unwanted plant material prevents re-establishment. Discard removed stolons and plantlets by bagging them for municipal waste rather than composting them. Periodically, dividing dense plants every two to three years maintains health and vigor while controlling spread. This practice also rejuvenates the plant, promoting healthier growth.
Benefits and Ideal Uses for Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’
Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ offers many positive attributes, making it a valuable addition to landscapes. Its striking tricolored foliage (creamy-white, rose-burgundy, dark green) provides year-round visual interest, often deepening to bronze in fall. In mid to late spring, short spikes of blue flowers emerge, adding aesthetic appeal and attracting pollinators. This combination of attractive foliage and seasonal blooms creates a dynamic display.
Its dense, mat-forming habit makes it an excellent groundcover, suppressing weeds by blocking sunlight. It also contributes to erosion control, particularly on slopes or banks. Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ is shade-tolerant, thriving in partial to full shade, making it a reliable choice for areas where grass struggles, such as beneath trees or shrubs. It is also hardy, deer and rabbit resistant, and tolerant of various soil conditions once established.
Ideal uses include mass plantings in shady borders, along pathways, or as an underplanting for trees and shrubs, where its spreading nature can be an asset. Its ability to naturalize quickly makes it suitable for woodland gardens or informal settings where a lush, spreading carpet is desired. It also performs well in containers, allowing its vibrant foliage to spill over edges, and its low stature makes it a good fit for rock gardens.
Alternative Groundcovers
For gardeners seeking groundcover options with different growth characteristics than Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’, several alternatives offer similar benefits without aggressive spreading. One option is Spotted Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum), which provides attractive foliage (often with silver variegation) and small flowers, spreading slowly to form tidy mats. It thrives in partial shade and can brighten darker areas of the garden.
Another consideration is Barrenwort (Epimedium spp.), which spreads slowly and offers delicate, heart-shaped leaves (often with red tints in spring) and small, unique flowers. Barrenwort is well-suited for partial to heavy shade and tolerates dry conditions once established. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a fragrant, low-growing plant that forms well-behaved clumps of green foliage and produces tiny white flowers in spring, preferring moist, well-drained soil in shade.
For a more robust, clumping alternative, Hosta varieties serve as excellent groundcovers in shaded areas, with dense foliage deterring weeds. While not traditional groundcovers, Hostas provide broad leaves in numerous sizes and colors, creating a lush underplanting. Pennsylvania Sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is a native grass-like plant that forms a soft, textured carpet, tolerating shade and drought, making it suitable for naturalistic woodland settings. These alternatives offer diverse textures and growth habits, providing attractive ground coverage in similar conditions.