How to Grow Ajuga 'Burgundy Lace'
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Ajuga 'Burgundy Lace'
Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Lace'
groundcoverAjuga 'Burgundy Lace' is a compact, low-growing perennial groundcover prized for its striking foliage featuring deep burgundy leaves with creamy white variegation. It spreads via runners to form dense mats and produces spikes of deep blue or purple flowers in spring. This cultivar combines ornamental foliage with reliable garden performance and minimal maintenance requirements.
When should you plant Ajuga 'Burgundy Lace' in your zone?
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Example Ajuga 'Burgundy Lace' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ajuga 'Burgundy Lace'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ajuga 'Burgundy Lace'
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best in cooler regions (zones 3-7)
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Get my Ajuga 'Burgundy Lace' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-4 weeksSmall rosettes with burgundy-white variegated leaves begin to form and establish runners
Keep soil consistently moist; mulch lightly; avoid foot traffic; remove any competing weeds
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsFoliage spreads via runners, creating interconnected mats; leaves deepen in color, variegation becomes more pronounced
Water regularly; allow runners to spread; pinch back if directional control needed; fertilize lightly in spring
Pre-flowering
2-3 weeksDense leaf mats form; flower spikes begin to emerge from leaf rosettes
Continue regular watering; apply balanced fertilizer; remove any dead or diseased foliage
Flowering
4-6 weeksMultiple spikes of deep blue-purple flowers rise above the foliage; typically occurs in spring (April-June depending on region)
Maintain consistent moisture; deadheading encourages prolonged bloom; minimal intervention needed
Post-flowering & Summer
6+ monthsFlowers fade; foliage remains ornamental year-round with burgundy coloring intensifying in cool temperatures
Cut back flower spikes if desired; reduce watering in summer if heat-stressed; watch for powdery mildew in humidity
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur fungicide or neem oil if severe; remove infected foliage
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and
(Gastropoda)
Hand-pick; use beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth; encourage beneficial predators like ground beetles
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Increase humidity and air circulation; spray with water; apply miticide if infestation is severe
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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; amend soil with perlite
Uses
Ornamental groundcover & landscape design
HouseholdAjuga 'Burgundy Lace' is excellent for edging borders, filling shaded areas, and stabilizing slopes with minimal maintenance. Its variegated foliage provides year-round visual interest and works well in rock gardens, woodland settings, and between pavers. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe spring flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing early-season nectar and pollen when food sources are scarce. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalAjuga species have been used in traditional herbalism, particularly in Chinese and European medicine, for properties related to wound healing and circulation, though modern evidence is limited. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftThe deep blue flower spikes and variegated foliage add striking color and texture to fresh floral arrangements and can be used in dried arrangements. [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 'Burgundy Lace' is ornamental and not harvested for food. Divide established clumps in spring or fall to propagate; cut runners can be laid on moist soil to root for transplanting. Deadhead spent flowers if desired for aesthetics, though not necessary.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ajuga 'Burgundy Lace' is also known as Bugleweed and belongs to the Lamiaceae (mint) family, though it lacks the aromatic quality of culinary mints.
- 🌱 The variegated burgundy and white foliage intensifies in color during cooler months, making it particularly ornamental in fall and early spring.
- 🌱 Ajuga spreads via stolons (runners) that root at the nodes, allowing it to rapidly colonize an area and effectively suppress weeds through shading.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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