Botanical Name: Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’

Common Name: Bugleweed

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 3–9)

Size: 4–6" Tall × 12–18" Spread

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Spreading Ground Cover

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained Soil; Adapts to Average Garden Soils

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture for Best Establishment

Bloom Season: Mid to Late Spring

Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Fertility

Features: Variegated Foliage in Burgundy, Pink, Green & Cream, Blue Flower Spikes, Deer Resistant, Evergreen in Mild Climates

Uses: Ideal for Ground Cover, Edging, Shade Gardens, Under Trees & Shrubs, and Containers

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Ajuga Plant Guide for full care details.

More About Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’

Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ is prized for its vibrant, multi-colored foliage that brings year-round interest to shaded and partially shaded areas. Each leaf displays a unique blend of burgundy, pink, soft green, and creamy white, creating a mosaic effect that brightens garden beds even when the plant is not in bloom.

In spring, short spikes of blue flowers rise above the colorful foliage, attracting early pollinators and adding a seasonal pop of contrast. While the blooms are attractive, the foliage remains the main feature, providing lasting color and texture throughout the growing season.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Burgundy Glow’ has proven to be a dependable, adaptable ground cover with excellent visual impact. It spreads steadily to fill in bare areas without becoming overly aggressive, making it easy to manage in mixed plantings.

We’ve found that foliage color is most vibrant with a balance of sun and shade—morning sun with afternoon shade tends to produce the best mix of colors. It performs well under trees, along walkways, and in containers where its variegation can be appreciated up close. Deer consistently avoid it.

‘Burgundy Glow’ vs. Other Ajuga

Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ distinguishes itself with bright, tri-colored foliage that brings light and visual interest to shaded and partially shaded gardens. Compared to ‘Black Scallop’, which is grown primarily for its deep, dramatic foliage, Burgundy Glow offers a softer, more decorative look that brightens darker spaces. Its variegation allows it to function as both a reliable groundcover and an accent plant, adding color even when flowers are not in bloom.

While 'Chocolate Chip' excels in tight spaces with its compact, controlled growth and ‘Caitlin’s Giant’ is best suited for rapid coverage of large areas, Burgundy Glow strikes a balance between restraint and ornamentation. For gardeners who want dependable coverage without sacrificing color, Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ is an easy choice and a standout option worth adding to the garden—especially when the goal is to enhance shade with lasting visual appeal.