Plant Guide

Other Names:  Carpet Bugle, Blue Bugle

Description:

A small to medium size semi-evergreen groundcover great for shaded areas; in mid to late spring spikes of blue, purple or pink flowers appear, depending on the cultivar, create a carpeted effect and attract pollinators; water regularily in hot weather

Ornamental Features

Common Bugleweed's attractive small crinkled round leaves remain emerald green in color throughout the year on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. It features showy spikes of blue flowers with purple overtones rising above the foliage from mid to late spring.

Landscape Attributes

Common Bugleweed is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Common Bugleweed is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Common Bugleweed will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity extending to 10 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.