Ajuga australis

Also Known As

Austral Bugle
Bugleweed

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 10"-18"
W: 18"-120"

planting zones

4a-9b

More Options

Ajuga australis plant details

Ajuga australis is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial groundcover with burgundy and green foliage. In spring and winter blue flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ajuga australis

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen burgundy and green
Mature size: 18 IN - 120 IN - wide, 10 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and winter

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ajuga australis

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A hardy clumping species from south east Australia very unlike the more familiar moisture-loving ground-covering members of its race. Rosettes of red tinted, dark green, bluntly toothed, lance shaped leaves appear to be cut from red backed velvet and in late winter produce tall slender spires of rich blue, two lipped, tubular flowers in whorls among small velvet leaflets. Gorgeous, drought hardy and self seeding in any lightly shaded well drained soil that is not over watered and over mulched. Will happily go dormant to survive dryness so don't be alarmed if it temporarily disappears over summer. Beautiful in a deep pot perhaps shared with some not too vigorous cool season bulbs and an ideal garden companion for wild Cyclamen whose form, foliage and flowers make the perfect compliment, at least in my opinion.