How to Grow Burgundy Glow
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Burgundy Glow
Ajuga reptans 'Burgundy Glow'
ground coverBurgundy Glow is a stunning ornamental ground cover that forms dense, colorful mats of variegated foliage featuring deep burgundy, pink, and cream coloring. This semi-evergreen perennial produces striking blue-purple flower spikes in late spring and early summer, adding both textural interest and seasonal blooms to garden spaces. It spreads vigorously via runners and is exceptionally low-maintenance once established.
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Example Burgundy Glow timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Burgundy Glow
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 Burgundy Glow
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Burgundy Glow dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best color development in cooler zones
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Establishment
4-6 weeksSmall rooted plantlets develop primary runners and establish root systems in soil.
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Mulch lightly around plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Avoid walking on plants during this phase.
Runner Development
2-4 monthsPlants send out horizontal stolons (runners) that root at nodes, creating new plantlets and expanding coverage.
Continue regular watering. Guide runners where desired and remove from unwanted areas. Reduce mulch as coverage increases to allow runners to root into soil.
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing through growing seasonDense mat of burgundy, pink, and cream variegated foliage develops, with leaves becoming more pronounced in color.
Water moderately. Foliage color intensifies in cooler weather. Pinch back or trim any leggy growth to encourage bushier development. Fertilize lightly in spring if desired.
Flowering
4-6 weeksDense spikes of small blue-purple flowers emerge above foliage, attracting pollinators.
Flowers appear in late spring to early summer. Leave flowers for pollinator benefit or deadhead for neater appearance. Flowering does not significantly drain plant energy.
Dormancy/Post-Bloom
Summer dormancy 4-8 weeks; fall recovery 2-3 monthsAfter flowering, plant enters slower growth phase in summer heat; growth resumes in fall as temperatures cool.
Reduce watering slightly in summer dormancy. Remove spent flower spikes if desired. In fall, growth resumes and foliage colors deepen. Trim back hard in late fall or early spring to rejuvenate.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or neem oil spray if severe. Plant in partial shade to reduce conditions favoring fungal growth.
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(Phytophthora species)
Ensure excellent drainage, avoid overwatering, remove infected plants immediately. Let soil dry out between waterings.
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Remove by hand in early morning, use copper tape barriers, apply diatomaceous earth, encourage natural predators like ground beetles.
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Remove affected leaves, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicide if widespread.
Uses
Ground cover and edging
LandscapeBurgundy Glow creates stunning low-growing carpets perfect for edging pathways, borders, and garden beds. Its variegated foliage provides visual interest even when not in bloom, making it an excellent alternative to conventional mulch. [source]
Shade garden solution
LandscapeThrives in partial shade where many plants struggle, bringing color and texture to woodland gardens, under tree canopies, and shaded border areas. Its ability to tolerate low light while maintaining good color makes it ideal for challenging garden locations. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeThe early spring flowers are an important nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, helping support local pollinator populations during the early growing season when food sources are limited. [source]
Floral arrangements and foliage garnish
CraftColorful stems and flowers work beautifully in fresh flower arrangements, adding unique variegated texture and blue-purple accents. Burgundy foliage is also useful as a contrasting element in cut flower designs. [source]
Erosion control
HouseholdThe dense, spreading root system and rapid coverage make Burgundy Glow effective for stabilizing soil on slopes and preventing erosion in areas where conventional turf grass struggles. [source]
Harvest Tips
Burgundy Glow is an ornamental plant grown for foliage and flowers, not harvested in the traditional sense. However, you can prune and cut stems for flower arrangements in spring. Cut stems just above a leaf node using clean shears. Trim back the entire plant in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate growth and maintain dense color development.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Burgundy Glow is a variegated sport (genetic mutation) of the species Ajuga reptans, which is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa.
- 🌱 The plant was originally named 'Atropurpurea' but was rebranded as 'Burgundy Glow' in the American horticultural trade, where it became extremely popular for garden design.
- 🌱 Ajuga is derived from the Latin word 'ab' (without) and 'jugum' (yoke), referring to the unusual flower structure lacking the standard upper petals.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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