Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans): This is a very popular ground cover. It spreads quickly by runners, making a mat of dark green leaves that grow 2 to 3 inches wide in full sun and 3 to 4 inches wide in part shade. Selections with bronze- or metallic-tinted leaves keep color best in full sun. The flowers, usually blue, are borne on 4 to 5 inch high spikes. The plant flowers in early May to mid-June. If established plants are set apart in the spring, they will cover the soil in one growing season. Do not set the plants too deep. The crown should never be covered. In the spring or early fall, rooted “runner plants” can be dug from established plantings and replanted elsewhere.

Geneva carpet bugleweed (Ajuga genevensis): This is a perennial rock garden plant, 5 to 14 inches high. It does not spread by runners, and has grayish, hairy stems and coarse-toothed leaves to 3 inches long. The 2-inch tall flower spikes are usually blue, but rose and white forms are also sold.

This upright species is becoming more popular because it spreads less vigorously than A. reptans. It tolerates more sun than other Ajuga species.

Upright bugleweed (Ajuga pyramidalis): This is an erect plant, 2 to 10 inches high. It does not spread by runners. Stems, with long grayish hairs,

have many roundish, 1½ to 4-inch long leaves. The flower spikes are 4 to 6 inches long and the large purple bracts appear to press against the blue flowers.