For home gardeners, Bugleweed (also known as Ajuga) is a total rockstar because of how quickly it spreads. Once it gets going, it creates a thick carpet that leaves absolutely no room for pesky weeds to pop up. But to get that lush, weed-smothering growth, you’ve got to give it the right environment.
Where does Bugleweed grow in the wild?
When you’re trying to figure out the perfect spot in your yard, it helps to look at where this plant hangs out in nature. You’ll usually find it growing along the edges of forests and fields. It only really ventures deep into the woods if the tree canopy is thin enough to let plenty of light through.
In your garden, you’ll want to aim for a sunny spot, though it can handle partial shade if necessary. Just a heads-up: if you plant it in a spot that’s too dark and damp, it’s prone to getting powdery mildew.
Give it plenty of nutrients
Because Bugleweed grows so fast, it’s got a big appetite! You’ll want to make sure your soil is rich in nutrients. It absolutely loves loamy soil that’s packed with organic matter (humus).
Another key factor is moisture. Bugleweed doesn’t like to dry out, and there’s a simple rule of thumb to follow: the more sun the plant gets, the more water it’s going to need to stay happy.
Keeping it under control
The very thing we love about Bugleweed—its ability to spread—is also its biggest challenge. It’s an enthusiastic grower that spreads in two ways: by dropping seeds and by sending out runners (stolons) across the surface of the soil.
Since it spreads above ground, a traditional underground root barrier won’t do much. Instead, you’ll want to use an above-ground border or edging to keep it in its lane. To stop it from self-seeding all over the place, just make sure to snip off the faded flowers once the blooming season is over.
To recap, here’s what makes a perfect home for your Bugleweed:
- A spot with full sun to partial shade.
- Soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter.
- A solid border or edging to keep it from taking over the whole yard.
