Ajuga reptans Sparkler

Ajuga reptans Sparkler is a variety of creeping bugle with variegated foliage, striped or splashed with cream-white on a dark green background, ideal for brightening up a border. The new shoots are particularly variegated, and hot weather also accentuates this effect. In winter, the variegated foliage takes on astonishing pink tones. This vigorous perennial groundcover with great ornamental value forms a dense carpet of foliage, invaded in early summer by spikes of deep blue flowers. If already present in a rockery or border, this evergreen plant is also very beautiful when overflowing from pots. Like all bugles, this one appreciates soils that remain moist in summer.

Ajuga reptans is a perennial plant of the mint family, widespread in Europe, especially in its central and boreal regions. It is also found in western Asia and Algeria. With rapid growth, the creeping bugle Sparkler is a variety that is compact and vigorous, rooting itself thanks to its stolons and eventually forming a carpet of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in height, theoretically spreading forever. It develops rosettes of evergreen, ribbed, and veined leaves. The foliage of this variety is splashed with cream-white specks on a dark green background. From June onwards, fragrant spikes of deep violet-blue flowers bloom above the foliage. This highly decorative flowering lasts for over a month.

Ajuga reptans Sparkler is an exuberant plant that will take up the space you give it. If it tends to escape the boundaries set for it, its growth is easily controlled by removing the wandering stolons. Bugles are among the best groundcover plants; perfect for dressing the base of trees and bushes, in pots or shaded beds. They can be paired with spring bulbs, Lamiums with colourful foliage, or fairy flowers (Epimedium). They are also good companions for hostas and shade-loving perennial geraniums. In a cool rockery, they can be planted next to Acaena 'Blue Haze' or buchananii, Azorella trifurcata 'Nana', lady's mantle, and saxifrages.