Description
Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' is a variegated garden form of bugle, a British native wild flower. It forms an evergreen mat of grey-green, spoon-shaped leaves edged and splashed with cream, and in late spring and early summer it carries upright spikes of dark blue flowers.
Variegated bugle at a glance
| Botanical name |
Ajuga reptans 'Variegata' |
| Common name |
Variegated bugle |
| Plant type |
Low, evergreen, carpeting perennial |
| Height and spread |
About 15 cm tall, spreading 50–100 cm |
| Flowers |
Dark blue, in upright spikes, May and June |
| Position |
Part shade best; tolerates full shade |
| Soil |
Moist, humus-rich clay or loam; any pH |
| Pond depth |
None – damp soil, not water |
| Hardiness |
RHS H7 – very hardy (below -20°C) |
| Native to |
Garden form of the UK native bugle |
Is variegated bugle a pond plant?
No. It is ground cover for damp, shady pond edges and the margins of bog gardens, not a water plant. Plant it in moist soil above the water line. It can scorch in full sun unless the soil stays moist.
Does it spread?
Yes. It spreads by rooting runners and can carpet an area, so give it room or trim the runners.
Is it good for wildlife?
Yes. It is on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
