Ajuga pyramidalis 'Metallica Crispa'
Pyramidal bugle, Northern bugle, Upright bugleweed, Spinach ajuga
- Height × spread
- 0.15m × 0.25m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This rather curious plant produces rosettes of long leaves. The softly hairy leaves are crinkled and somewhat buckled on their surface, and are coloured browny purple with a metallic sheen. Dense pyramids of blue flowers are borne in spring and early summer. This looks intriguing in a container, and good on a rockery. But take care it isn't scorched by sunshine as the plant is naturally shade loving. Trim out any untidy growth to show off the intriguing foliage to best advantage. Divide and replant when it becomes congested. This stands around 8cm (3in) high.
- Flower colour
- Blue
- Foliage colour
- Brown, Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Prostrate
- Height
- 0.15m
- Spread
- 0.25m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Scented garden, Mediterranean garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, likes light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Dry and shady soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Deer resistant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn · Planting
Remove offsets to create new plants
Offsets are small plants or shoots that develop around the parent plant. They should have developed a root system of their own before they are detached. They can be planted directly, or grown in pots if so small they could be 'lost' in the garden.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Found in
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