How to Grow Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'

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Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'

Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'

flower

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' is a stunning ornamental groundcover featuring tri-colored foliage with deep burgundy, cream, and pink variegation. It produces attractive blue-purple flower spikes in spring and spreads via runners to create a dense carpet. This vigorous cultivar offers year-round visual interest and is excellent for landscaping, borders, and containers.

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Example Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' blooms

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Part shade to full sun; performs best with 3-6 hours of sun daily; tolerates full shade but foliage color deepens with more light
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Water: Moderate water needs; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once or twice weekly during establishment. Established plants are drought-tolerant but perform better with regular moisture. Reduce watering in winter.
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Spacing: 12 inches
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Days to maturity: 30-45 days to establish, flowering within first growing season
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as container; set crown at soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

3-4 weeks

Young plants develop their first true leaves and begin producing runners. Foliage shows initial variegation patterns of burgundy, cream, and pink.

Keep soil consistently moist. Mulch lightly to retain moisture. Remove any all-green or all-burgundy reverts. Pinch back to encourage bushier growth if desired.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant spreads vigorously via stolons (runners), creating a dense mat. Foliage coverage expands and variegation becomes more pronounced. Plant reaches mature size.

Water regularly during dry spells. Thin out crowded growth if needed. Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor. Monitor for pest damage.

3

Pre-Flowering

2-3 weeks

Flower buds form at the tips of upright stems. Flower spikes begin to emerge, typically appearing in late spring. Plants may show reduced new leaf growth.

Maintain consistent moisture. Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization which may reduce flowering. Remove damaged stems.

4

Flowering

3-4 weeks

Dense spikes of blue-purple flowers appear above the foliage, creating striking contrast with the variegated leaves. Flowers attract pollinators. Blooming peak occurs in April-May.

Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage continued flowering. Water at base to avoid wetting flowers. Plants remain attractive even as flowers fade.

5

Post-Flowering/Dormancy

6-8 weeks

Flowers fade and are replaced by seed heads. Plant growth slows in late summer heat. Foliage color intensifies in fall and winter. Plant may semi-dormant or go dormant depending on climate.

Cut back dead or damaged foliage in fall or early spring. Reduce watering in winter in cooler zones. Protect from heavy snow if needed in northern regions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants like Mint Bishop's Weed (Aegopodium) Creeping Charlie that compete for space

Common Pests

  • Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overhead watering; remove affected plants; do not replant in same location without soil amendment

  • Improve air circulation; water at soil level; remove affected foliage; apply fungicide if severe; select resistant areas

  • and

    Hand-pick in early morning; create beer traps; apply copper barriers; encourage ground beetles

  • Remove affected leaves; improve drainage and air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; apply fungicide if widespread

  • Increase humidity with misting; spray with water to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap if severe; ensure adequate moisture

Uses

🏠

Ornamental Groundcover & Landscaping

Household

Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow' is an exceptional ornamental groundcover that provides year-round tri-colored foliage and spring flowers. It effectively suppresses weeds, prevents erosion, and requires minimal maintenance once established. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

The blue-purple flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in spring, providing early-season nectar when few other plants are blooming. Creates beneficial habitat in gardens. [source]

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Edible Flowers & Garnish

Culinary

Ajuga flowers are edible with a slightly bitter flavor and make attractive garnishes for salads and desserts. Some herbalists use Ajuga in culinary preparations, though it is primarily ornamental. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Ajuga reptans has been used in traditional herbal medicine to support respiratory function and overall wellness. Historical herbalists valued the plant for various health applications. [source]

🎨

Cut Flower Arrangements

Craft

The colorful foliage and attractive flower spikes work well in fresh arrangements and dried flower crafts. The variegated leaves add texture and color contrast to floral designs. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Ajuga is not typically harvested but rather used as an ornamental groundcover. Foliage can be trimmed as needed for shape and to remove dead or damaged growth. Cut back in fall or early spring as needed. Flowers are best enjoyed in place but can be cut for small fresh arrangements.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 The name 'Burgundy Glow' perfectly describes the deep wine-red coloration of the variegated foliage, which intensifies in cooler fall and winter temperatures.
  • 🌱 Ajuga reptans spreads via stolons (horizontal runners) that produce new plantlets, making it an easy groundcover to propagate and share with gardeners.
  • 🌱 This cultivar is a patented selection, valued for its superior foliage variegation and vigor compared to the green species.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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