Also known as Bugleweed · 1.3k gardener saves
Ajuga: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Ajuga, the genus most gardeners know as bugleweed. We track 25 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Ajuga varieties
Of 25 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedBurgundy Glow Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'
#2 most savedBlueberry Muffin Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans 'Blueberry Muffin'
#3 most savedAjuga Black Scallop
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'
Cordial Canary Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans 'Cordial Canary'
Pink Elf Ajuga
Ajuga reptans 'Pink Elf'
Carpet Bugle
Ajuga reptans
Bronze Bugle
Ajuga reptans 'Bronze Beauty'
Geneva Bugleweed
Ajuga genevensis
Ajuga Silver Beauty
Ajuga reptans 'Silver Beauty'
Chocolate Chip Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip'
Catlin's Giant Bugleweed
Ajuga reptans 'Catlin'
Chocolate Chip Bugleweed
Ajuga tenorei 'Valfredda'
Browse all 25 Ajuga varieties →
How to grow Ajuga
What the Ajuga varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 25 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Ajuga year
- DivideMarch, April and September100% of varieties
Divide dense patches every 2-3 years to rejuvenate the planting
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March80% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged or dead foliage before new growth begins
- PruneMay–August48% of varieties
Remove aggressive runners (stolons) regularly to control spread and maintain borders
- PlantMarch, April, September and October44% of varieties
Plant or transplant in early spring or fall
- DeadheadMay and June40% of varieties
Cut back spent blue flower spikes after bloom
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Water during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t plant in full sun in hot climates
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t let soil dry out completely between waterings
What goes wrong with Ajuga
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Irregular holes in foliage | Use organic slug bait or handpick during evening |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning foliage | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply organic fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if necessary |
Making more Ajuga
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall
- Gently separate clumps into smaller sections
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Allow 6 weeks for establishment
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil mix
- Keep soil moist and place in bright, indirect light
- Roots develop in approximately 4-6 weeks
Ajuga questions
How many types of Ajuga are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 25 distinct Ajuga varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.3k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Ajuga grow in?
Across its varieties, Ajuga covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ajuga bloom?
Most Ajuga varieties bloom in mid-spring, late spring, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ajuga should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Ajuga
By hardiness zone
Design with Ajuga in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
