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Burgundy Glow Ajuga
Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'
Burgundy Glow Ajuga is one of the most useful ground covers for low color in shaded or partly shaded areas. The variegated foliage gives you interest long before and after the spring flowers, and the plant stays low enough to work along pathways, under shrubs, and in tight garden spaces. I especially like it where grass struggles, because it creates a colorful living carpet with very little maintenance once it fills in.
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Colorful Variegated Ground Cover for Shade Gardens
A low-growing carpet of colorful foliage.
Burgundy Glow Ajuga forms a dense, spreading mat of variegated foliage in shades of burgundy, cream, pink, white, green, and bronze. This colorful ground cover is especially useful for adding contrast under trees, along shaded borders, around shrubs, and in small spaces where taller perennials would feel too heavy.
Blue spring flowers add seasonal charm.
In mid to late spring, short spikes of blue flowers rise above the foliage, adding a soft display of blooms that attracts pollinators. While Burgundy Glow Ajuga is prized for its foliage, its spring flowers add an extra layer of color and help brighten woodland-style gardens and shaded planting beds.
A smart choice for shade and part shade.
This Ajuga performs beautifully in light shade to partial shade and can tolerate a range of garden conditions when moisture and drainage are balanced. It is especially helpful in areas where grass struggles, including beneath open-canopy trees, along path edges, and in shaded foundation beds.
Evergreen to semi-evergreen color with low maintenance needs.
Burgundy Glow Ajuga is evergreen to semi-evergreen in many climates, giving the garden a finished look year-round. Its compact habit requires little pruning, and its spreading growth helps create a weed-suppressing ground cover once established.
Deer-resistant coverage for difficult garden spaces.
Ajuga is considered deer-resistant and is often used where homeowners want attractive ground coverage with better browsing resistance than many tender perennials. Plant it in masses for a colorful carpet, tuck it into containers as a foliage accent, or use it as edging in shade gardens, rock gardens, and woodland beds.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-10 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 9 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 1 to 1.5 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Part shade to full shade; tolerates full sun with consistent moisture |
| Soil | Average, moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soils, including clay and black walnut areas |
| Water | Water regularly after planting; prefers even moisture but tolerates some dry or wet conditions once established |
| Bloom Time / Color | Mid to late spring; blue to lilac-blue flower spikes |
| Foliage | Evergreen to semi-evergreen, Variegated burgundy, cream, pink, white, green, and bronze-toned foliage |
| Ornamental Features | Colorful variegated foliage, low spreading habit, blue spring flower spikes, year-round texture in mild climates |
| Wildlife Value | Spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators |
| Resistance | Deer resistant, rabbit tolerant to resistant, black walnut tolerant, and generally low maintenance |
| Landscape Uses | Shade ground cover, edging, woodland gardens, under trees, foundation beds, containers, rock gardens, slopes, path edges, and lawn-alternative areas |
How to Care for Burgundy Glow Ajuga
Before you buy an Ajuga Burgundy Glow Plant, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Burgundy Glow Ajuga?
Plant Burgundy Glow Ajuga in part shade to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate some sun when moisture is consistent, but the foliage often looks best when protected from harsh afternoon sun in warmer climates. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown level with the surrounding soil. Backfill, water deeply, and space plants about 8 to 12 inches apart for faster coverage or 12 to 18 inches apart for a slower, more natural fill-in.
How often should I water Burgundy Glow Ajuga after planting?
Water Burgundy Glow Ajuga regularly during the first growing season while the roots establish and the plants begin to spread. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot or dry weather. Once established, Ajuga can tolerate a wider range of moisture conditions, but it performs best when the soil does not dry out completely for long periods. In full sun or containers, check moisture more often and water when the top inch of soil begins to dry.
When should I fertilize Burgundy Glow Ajuga?
Fertilize Burgundy Glow Ajuga lightly in spring if growth appears weak or the soil is poor. In most garden beds, compost or a gentle, balanced slow-release fertilizer is enough to support healthy foliage and spring flowers. Avoid heavy fertilizing, which can push overly soft growth and make the planting less tidy. Burgundy Glow Ajuga is naturally low maintenance and usually performs well without frequent feeding.
When and how should I prune Burgundy Glow Ajuga?
Prune Burgundy Glow Ajuga after flowering if the spent bloom spikes look untidy. You can trim or mow high over established patches to remove old flower stems and refresh the appearance of the foliage. Throughout the growing season, edge or pull runners as needed to keep the ground cover within its intended space. Remove any reverted solid-green shoots if they appear so the variegated Burgundy Glow foliage remains the dominant look.
