Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans)

Zones: 4 to 10
Light: Shade to Sun
Bloom Time: Spring
Height: 6″ to 12″
Spread: 12″ to 48″

Bugleweed will form a dense, evergreen mat of shiny, dark green leaves with spikes of violet-blue flowers that makes a great groundcover.

There is also a variety available with purple flowers and burgundy leaves that is quite pretty.

This shade-loving perennial spreads by underground runners called stollens as well as by self-seeding. (Cut off the spent flowers to prevent the latter.)

Give careful consideration to where you plant it because it will creep into lawns and can be difficult to eradicate.

However, it is useful under trees where grass will not grow (it is one of the few plants that will survive under a black walnut tree).

It also tolerates dry shade and is deer resistant.

Buy it HERE.*