Ajuga Rosea (Pink Bugleweed)
A graceful ground cover with soft pink flowers for shady or semi-shaded spots
Overview
Ajuga rosea is a charming and less commonly seen variety of bugleweed, known for its soft rose-pink flowers and low-growing, spreading habit. A member of the Lamiaceae family, it provides excellent ground coverage and adds a subtle splash of colour to shady areas where few flowering plants thrive. Ideal for naturalistic planting schemes, woodland borders, or as underplanting beneath trees and shrubs.
Foliage & Growth Habit
Ajuga rosea forms a neat, carpet-like mat of attractive foliage. The leaves are typically oval to lance-shaped and vary from green to slightly bronzed in cooler months. Its creeping stems help it to spread steadily but non-invasively, making it a practical solution for suppressing weeds and improving soil coverage.
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Height: 10–15 cm (4–6 inches)
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Spread: 30–45 cm (12–18 inches)
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Growth Habit: Ground-hugging, mat-forming
Flowers
This variety is particularly admired for its delicate, rose-pink flower spikes that emerge in late spring to early summer. The pastel tones offer a softer alternative to the more commonly seen blue Ajuga species, providing gentle colour that blends seamlessly into natural planting schemes.
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Flower Colour: Soft pink to rose
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Blooming Season: May to June
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Pollinator Friendly: Yes – attracts bees and butterflies
Ideal Growing Conditions
Ajuga rosea performs best in moist, well-drained soils and is especially valuable in shaded or partially shaded garden spots. It adapts well to a range of soil types and thrives in the cooler, damp climate of the UK.
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Light: Partial shade to full shade (can tolerate dappled sun)
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Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained; tolerates loamy, clay, or sandy soils
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Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK (RHS Hardiness Rating H7)
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Position: Woodland gardens, borders, ground cover under shrubs, edging pathways
Maintenance
Ajuga rosea is a low-maintenance perennial that once established requires very little attention. Its neat form and reliable nature make it suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners.
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Watering: Moderate; water during dry spells, especially in the first year
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Pruning: Remove faded flower spikes to encourage tidy regrowth
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Dividing: Can be lifted and divided in spring or early autumn every few years
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Pests & Diseases: Generally resistant to pests; avoid overly wet soils to prevent root or crown rot
Key Benefits
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Unique rose-pink flowers for spring and early summer interest
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Effective natural ground cover with weed suppression
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Evergreen in milder UK regions
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Well-suited to shade and woodland-style gardens
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Supports pollinators
Companion Planting
Ajuga rosea pairs well with other shade-loving plants such as pulmonarias, epimediums, hostas, and brunneras. It also complements spring-flowering bulbs and ferns, adding layers of texture and colour beneath taller perennials and shrubs.
Planting Tips
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Space plants 25–30 cm apart for a cohesive ground cover effect
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Incorporate organic compost into the soil before planting
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Apply a light mulch in spring to conserve moisture and enrich soil
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Avoid planting in waterlogged areas to prevent root issues
Buying Alpines from Jacksons Nurseries
At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our alpines after flowering to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.
As a result, depending on the time of year you buy alpines, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.
Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.
Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email
orders@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.
From late autumn onwards and dependant on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.
Alpines are a group of perennials that generally grow in rocky conditions at high altitudes.
As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.
It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.
By using this simple guide and a little time, alpines can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.
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