Ajuga reptans Multicolor - Rainbow

Ajuga reptans ‘Multicolor’ ‘Rainbow’ is a multicoloured form of the creeping bugle, a perennial plant that is very common in moist and shady habitats. The plant forms an evergreen to semi-evergreen groundcover that spreads through rooting stems, eventually forming small mats of rounded, multicoloured leaves that change shades throughout the seasons. Its upright spikes of bright violet flowers illuminate the already variegated foliage in spring, which continuously evolves with new hues throughout the seasons. The creeping bugle 'Multicolor' stands out with its very bright violet spiked flowers.

Robust and very hardy, this highly colourful variety throughout the year will thrive in a cool soil, sheltered from the scorching sun.

Ajuga reptans is a perennial plant from the family Lamiaceae, widely distributed in Europe, especially in its central and boreal regions. It is also found in western Asia and Algeria. Its habitat is typical of meadows, moist and grassy areas.

Moderately vigorous, the remarkable creeping bugle 'Multicolor' with its multicoloured foliage topped with very bright violet spikes, is suitable for small semi-shaded borders, planted with botanical bulbs (crocuses, daffodils, grape hyacinths, tulips, etc.). This plant roots itself thanks to its runners and eventually forms a mat 15 cm (6in) in height, with a minimum diameter of 30 cm (12in). It develops rosettes of semi-evergreen to evergreen leaves, oblong, wavy and veined, in a dark green colour mixed with purple, cream, and bright pink. Starting from May, small spikes composed of flowers no larger than a few millimeters appear above the foliage, in a pure violet colour, interspersed with small round leaves, the bracts. They bloom for over a month. Towards the end of the season, the foliage darkens slightly.

Ajuga reptans 'Multicolor' is a moderately vigorous variety that will slowly fill the space between bulbs or perennials provided for it. Its growth is easy to control by removing the travelling runners. Bugles are among the best groundcover plants; they are perfect for dressing the base of trees and bushes, in shaded borders in association with spring bulbs (snowdrops, hyacinths, crocuses) or lamiums with colourful foliage, fairy flowers (Epimedium) with delicate flowers and beautiful foliage, or Geranium macrorrhizum. They are good companions for hostas and shade-loving perennial geraniums. In fresh rock gardens, they can be planted alongside Acaena 'Blue Haze' or buchananii, Azorella trifurcata 'Nana', lady's mantles, and saxifrages.