schistosum—By comparison this one is a giant growing to eight or ten inches, with two-inch leaves and fragrant pink flowers.
CARE. Soil light, sandy, well-drained, and gravelly; dry; sun. Hardy in southern New England. Give protection in severe winters.
PROPAGATION. Cuttings in summer, division and seeds in spring.
SPECIAL USES. Rock gardens, dry-wall planting, edging, borders.
Ajuga Labiatae Bugle
This is a low, creeping or spreading perennial with pinwheels of rather coarse leaves and small blue flowers which come in May and June. It is of miniature height and should only be planted where you can control it, or want it to spread. Some of the better-known varieties are:
genevensis—Oval toothed leaves, light green. Flowers deep blue.
pyramidalis—Less likely to spread and stays neat and small. Flowers blue and slightly larger than those of other varieties.
reptans—Also known as carpet bugle, it is nearly supine, with stems that root as they creep. Flowers blue or purplish. Variety alba has white flowers; variegata, foliage marked with cream and pink. Rubra pink flowers.
‘Silver Beauty’—Compact and ground-hugging. White markings on leaves give a silvery appearance. Blue flowers.