Also known as Japanese Bugle Flower
Decumbent Bugle (Ajuga decumbens) is a low-growing perennial groundcover featuring attractive foliage and spikes of blue-violet flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Thrives in partial shade but can also grow in full sun if soil remains moist.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil but tolerates brief dry spells.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 15-24°C. Can tolerate cooler temperatures in winter.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Light Feeding
25% intensity
Benefits from a light feeding in spring and mid-summer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during warmer months. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Reduce watering in winter, providing just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Prune after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and prevent it from becoming leggy. Trim back any straggling stems to encourage denser growth and tidier groundcover.
Deadheading spent flower spikes can also improve the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Ajuga decumbens is easily propagated from stem cuttings or by division. In spring or early summer, take 5-10 cm cuttings from healthy stems and plant them in moist potting mix.
Divisions can be made in spring, separating rooted sections of the plant.
Repot ajuga when it becomes root-bound, typically every 2-3 years. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the new pot has adequate drainage holes.
Repot in spring before new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Decumbent Bugle (Ajuga decumbens)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Ajuga |
| Species | Ajuga decumbens |
Similar in genus Ajuga
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
