How to Grow and Care for Bugleweed

Common bugle is a mat-forming, dense plant that features blue flowers and shiny, dark green leaves. Although it works extremely well for a ground cover that will choke out weeds and provide a colorful display, common bugle does not tolerate much foot traffic. Take care to plant it in a location that is away from paths.

Blue bugle (Ajuga genevensis) is an evergreen flowering herb native to Europe. Blue bugles spread quickly and stay fairly low to the ground. Their petite, purple-blue flowers and beautiful leaves have helped make them a common groundcover plant in gardens around the world. Unfortunately, the species' popularity, combined with its quick growth and hardiness, have made it invasive in some places.

Japanese bugle flower has many different uses in the traditional medicine of Japan, Korea, and China. Modern medical science is investigating if the plant contains compounds beneficial for joint pain and injury. In Japan, is has even been called "Ishakoroshi" ("Doctor Destroyer").

Pyramidal bugle is a wildflower appreciated for its purple-tinged leaves and pale blue flowers. You can typically find it growing in grassland atop rocks. This herbaceous perennial is unique because it has hair on four sides of the stem instead of just two. The flowes are hermaphrodite, with nectar that attracts butterflies and bumblebees.

Ajuga ciliata. It has low toxicity and attracts pollinators with its bright blue flowers.