Fairy Candles Ajuga incisa 'Bikun' (v)
ABOUT
Ajuga incisa 'Bikun' is commonly known as bugleweed. This perennial plant is recognized for its attractive foliage and flowers. Its leaves are typically glossy and rich green, sometimes showing hints of darker colors or variegation. The leaves are usually oval-shaped with serrated edges, forming a low-growing mound that spreads modestly. In the blooming season, this variety of bugleweed produces striking flower spikes. The flowers are small but abundant and present in an eye-catching deep blue or purple color, which adds a burst of vibrancy to the plant's appearance. These flowering stems rise above the foliage and can create a carpet-like effect when seen in a cluster. The blooming period brings an additional layer of decorative appeal to this plant, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add color and groundcover to their garden. The contrast between the flowers and foliage can be quite stunning, making it a focal point when in full bloom.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae
Synonyms
Incised Bugle, Cutleaf Bugle, Bikun Flower
Common names
Ajuga incisa.
ToxicityTo humans
Ajuga incisa 'Bikun', commonly known as bugleweed, is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large quantities. Despite this, there's limited information available on the specific toxicity of 'Bikun' variety to humans, and it's always best to err on the side of caution and not consume any part of ornamental plants.
To pets
Ajuga incisa 'Bikun', also known as bugleweed, is typically not listed as a toxic plant to pets. However, pets may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest a significant amount of the plant, similar to humans. Symptoms might include vomiting or diarrhea. It's advisable to monitor your pet and contact a veterinarian if you observe any adverse reactions after ingestion of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
Spread
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Ajuga incisa 'Bikun' adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive foliage and vibrant blue flowers.
- Ground Cover: It is an excellent ground cover that can prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth due to its dense mat-forming habit.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it a good choice for gardeners who prefer low-maintenance landscaping.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Shade Tolerance: Ajuga incisa 'Bikun' is capable of growing in shaded areas where other plants might not thrive, providing color and cover in dim garden spots.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of Ajuga incisa 'Bikun' attract bees and butterflies, supporting local pollinator populations.
- Seasonal Interest: It offers seasonal interest with blooms in spring and sometimes attractive foliage color changes in the fall.
- Deer Resistance: This plant is generally resistant to deer, which makes it suitable for areas where deer browsing can be a problem.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Ajuga incisa may have properties that help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: The plant might possess compounds with antioxidant effects that help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Hepatoprotective: There's a possibility that it has liver-protecting properties.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aquarium Decoration: Ajuga can be used as a non-toxic plant decoration in freshwater aquariums, providing shelter and a natural environment for fish.
- Photography: The vibrant foliage and flowers of Ajuga make it an excellent subject for macro photography and garden photo shoots.
- Crafting Plant Dyes: The leaves and stems of Ajuga can be boiled to create natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, or paper.
- Edible Garnish: Some cultures use the flowers of Ajuga as an edible decoration to add a splash of color to salads and desserts.
- Erosion Control: Ajuga's dense mat-forming habit makes it useful for controlling erosion on slopes and in areas prone to soil loss.
- Education: Schools and educational programs can use Ajuga in botany classes to teach about plant structure, reproduction, and classification.
- Floral Arrangements: The flowers and foliage of Ajuga can be used in floral arrangements to add texture and color diversity.
- Groundcover for Shade Gardens: Ajuga is ideal for shaded garden areas where grass might struggle to grow.
- Living Mulch: Ajuga can act as a living mulch, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around other garden plants.
- Wildlife Habitat: Ajuga provides shelter and sometimes nectar for small creatures, such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of a garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Ajuga is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Ajuga is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Ajuga plants are often associated with protection due to their ability to form dense mats that cover the ground and prevent weeds and erosion. This can symbolize a protective barrier or shield.
- Perseverance: The Ajuga's vigorous growth habit, which allows it to thrive in a variety of conditions, can be seen as a symbol of perseverance and the ability to overcome obstacles.
- Wellness: Because Ajuga species have been used in traditional medicine, the plant can symbolize health and healing.
WaterIncised Bugle (Ajuga incisa 'Bikun') prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might mean watering once every week, but frequency should be adjusted according to the humidity, temperature, and whether the plant is grown indoors or outdoors. It's important to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. It's best to use about one gallon of water for outdoor plants, ensuring it's applied directly to the base rather than overhead to minimize wet foliage, which can lead to disease.
LightIncised Bugle thrives best in partial shade to full sun. While it can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates, too much intense sunlight can scorch the leaves, so a spot that receives filtered sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Adequate light is crucial for vibrant foliage color and healthy growth.
TemperatureIncised Bugle is hardy and can generally handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Incised Bugle will benefit from mulching in the winter to protect it from extreme cold.
PruningPruning Incised Bugle is typically done to maintain its appearance and remove any damaged or unhealthy foliage. Pruning should be done in the early spring or after flowering to encourage a dense growth habit. It's not necessary to prune frequently, only as needed to keep the plant tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBugleweed prefers well-draining soil with a mix of garden soil, compost, and peat with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 to thrive.
RepottingBugleweed does not typically require frequent repotting, do so only when it outgrows its container, about every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingBugleweed thrives best in average to high humidity conditions but is quite adaptable to different humidity levels.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bugleweed in indirect light and maintain moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Bugleweed in partial shade and well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleAjuga incisa 'Bikun' (v), commonly known as Incised Bugle, begins its life as a seed which, when provided with favorable conditions of moisture and temperature, germinates and emerges as a seedling. The seedling grows into a vegetative plant, producing a rosette of leaves and developing a root system that anchors it into the soil. As it matures, it enters the reproductive stage, producing striking blue to violet flowers that attract pollinators, leading to cross-pollination. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which are then dispersed by various means such as wind or animals. The plant is a perennial, so after the blooming season, it might die back to the ground to overwinter, with the root system remaining alive to sprout again in the next growing season. Throughout its life, the plant may also propagate vegetatively by producing runners or stolons that root to form new plants, thus expanding its growth and presence in the area.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Ajuga incisa 'Bikun', commonly known as Bugleweed, can be propagated most effectively by division. This is best done in the spring or early fall to allow the plants time to establish before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Bugleweed and gently separate it into smaller sections, each with a portion of root attached. These individual sections can then be replanted into prepared soil, spacing them about 8 to 12 inches apart (or 20 to 30 centimeters). Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation allows for quick multiplication of the plants and helps maintain the vigor of older clumps.
