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’

Where some Ajugas bring drama through depth of color, Burgundy Glow earns its place through variation. The foliage is richly variegated, with every leaf showing a slightly different mix of burgundy, rose-pink, soft green, and creamy white. When it spreads through a bed, the effect is almost mosaic-like—no solid blocks of color, just constant visual interest that changes depending on light, season, and viewing angle. That multicolored foliage makes ‘Burgundy Glow’ especially valuable in shaded or partially shaded areas, where gardens often struggle to feel bright or intentional. Even without flowers, it lifts a space and adds contrast against darker soil, tree trunks, and evergreen backdrops. 

In Spring, short spikes of soft blue flowers rise above the foliage, adding a clean pop of contrast against all that variegation below. The bloom period is brief, but effective—especially when planted in drifts. Early pollinators make good use of the flowers, though, as with most Ajugas, the foliage is the long-term reason to grow it. Once flowering passes, the leaves continue to carry the planting through summer and into fall, maintaining interest even when surrounding plants are in a lull.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

Burgundy Glow is a steady performer in the South Carolina Upstate. We know it as an adaptable ground cover that balances beauty with practicality. Fast enough to establish coverage, but not so aggressive that it overruns nearby plantings. That makes it especially easy to use in mixed beds, where you want ground cover support without constant containment. We’ve found foliage color is at its best with a balance of sun and shade—morning sun paired with afternoon shade consistently produces the richest mix of burgundy and cream.

‘Burgundy Glow’ works beautifully along walkways, at the edges of shaded borders, beneath open-canopy trees, or even in containers where the variegation can be appreciated up close. The lighter tones pair especially well with darker foliage plants, like Hostas and Ferns. Deer consistently avoid it, maintenance is minimal, and once established, it largely takes care of itself. Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ doesn’t shout—but it never disappears either, and that quiet consistency is exactly what makes it so valuable in real gardens.

Burgundy Glow vs. Other 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.