Ajuga genevensis (Blue bugle)

Botanical name

Ajuga genevensis

Other names

Blue bugle, Alpine bugle, Erect bugle, Upright bugle, Geneva bugleweed

Genus

Ajuga Ajuga

Species

A. genevensis - A. genevensis is a clump- or mat-forming, evergreen perennial with ovate, long-stalked, lobed or toothed, light to mid-green leaves and spike-like whorls of deep blue, rarely white or pink flowers in spring.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Erect flower stem, Clump-forming, Mat Forming

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Colour

Flower

Dark-blue in Spring

Foliage

Mid-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Pest free

Specific diseases

Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Remove faded flower spikes. Can be cut back after flowering to rejuvenate foliage.

Propagation

Separate rooted stems in early summer. Root softwood cuttings in summer.

Propagation methods

Root cuttings, Rhizome sections

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Ajuga genevensis (Blue bugle) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.45m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Banks and Slopes, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Ground Cover, Low Maintenance, Wildflower, Wildlife, Woodland

Cultivation

Tolerates most soil types as long as some moisture is available. Best in partial shade but will tolerate full shade. Will be deciduous in areas with cold winters.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Shade

Aspect

North, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Ajuga genevensis (Blue bugle)

Common pest name

tomato thrips

Scientific pest name

Ceratothripoides brunneus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Thrips present in Africa; the Caribbean and parts of Asia; frequently intercepted in the UK. Can cause significant damage to tomatoes and other crops in countries where it is present. Europe wide PRA will consider its potential to establish and cause damage.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/