Bugleweed Ajuga tenorei Princess Nadia = 'Piotrek01' (v)
![bugle [Princess Nadia]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5806e268c.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
Ajuga tenorei Princess Nadia, commonly known as bugleweed, is a visually striking perennial plant with a unique and attractive appearance. This particular variety features foliage that is a spectacle of color. The leaves are variegated with a mix of creamy white edges that boldly contrast with the deep green heart of the leaf. Additionally, new growth often presents with a burst of bright, purplish-pink shades which gradually mature to showcase the dual-toned green and white display. The bugleweed is equally famed for its flowers. The blooms rise on erect spikes above the foliage, presenting a prominent display of blue to purplish flowers. These floral spires add an extra layer of ornamental appeal to the plant, which bloom profusely under the right conditions, creating an eye-catching show during their flowering season. Overall, Ajuga tenorei Princess Nadia's variety of foliage colors, combined with its attractive flower spikes, adds vibrancy and interest to any garden space where it is cultivated. The plant's ability to cover the ground with its beautiful leaves and to punctuate its dense carpet with floral spikes makes it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to add both texture and color to their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle, Ground Pine, Sicklewort
Common names
Ajuga tenorei Princess Nadia = 'Piotrek01' (v).
ToxicityTo humans
Ajuga tenorei 'Princess Nadia', most commonly known as bugleweed, has very limited information available regarding its toxicity to humans. However, the genus Ajuga is not typically known for being highly toxic. If Ajuga species are ingested in large quantities, they may induce gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. There are no severe toxic effects expected, but as with any non-food plant, caution is advised when handling or accidentally ingesting it. If symptoms occur, it is recommended to consult a medical professional.
To pets
Ajuga tenorei 'Princess Nadia', commonly known as bugleweed, is not widely recognized as a poisonous plant to pets. There is limited specific information about its toxicity, but the Ajuga genus is generally not considered highly toxic to animals. If ingested by pets, bugleweed may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, expressed through symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's always advisable to discourage pets from eating non-food plants, and to consult a veterinarian if your pet shows signs of distress after ingesting any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Ajuga tenorei Princess Nadia offers aesthetic value with its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought Tolerance: It is relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Grows Well in Shade: This plant can thrive in partial to full shade, making it suitable for underplanting and shaded garden spots.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit makes it excellent for ground cover, as it can help reduce soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, providing a habitat for beneficial insects and aiding in garden pollination.
- Evergreen: In some climates, Ajuga tenorei Princess Nadia remains evergreen throughout the year, providing continuous green cover.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ajuga tenorei, commonly known as Bugleweed, can be used as a natural dye source, providing colors ranging from soft yellows to deep greens depending on the mordant used.
- The dense mat-like growth of Bugleweed makes it an excellent choice for erosion control on slopes or areas prone to soil degradation.
- Floral artists sometimes incorporate the vibrant foliage and flowers of Bugleweed into living art installations or eco-friendly sculptures.
- Bugleweed is occasionally used in green roofing projects due to its low maintenance requirements and adaptability to low-soil environments.
- In ponds or water gardens, Bugleweed can be planted around the edges to create a naturalistic transition between water and land, while not being an aquatic plant itself.
- Some craft enthusiasts use the dried flowers and leaves of Bugleweed to create botanical bookmarks, cards, or other paper embellishments.
- Bugleweed can be planted in between paving stones or flagstones, providing a lush, living filler that tolerates foot traffic.
- Photographers might use Bugleweed as a backdrop or a contrasting element in macro photography due to its texture and color.
- In culinary arts, while not commonly consumed, the flowers of Bugleweed can be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts.
- Bugleweed can be a source of nesting material for insects and small wildlife due to its dense foliage and structure.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ajuga reptans, commonly known as Bugleweed, can be used in Feng Shui for its low-growing, spreading nature which symbolizes growth and expansion. It's best placed in the East (health and family) or Southeast (wealth and abundance) areas of a garden or space to enhance the energy associated with those life aspects. Its vibrant foliage and flowers can also bring a sense of vitality and life force, known as Chi, to a space.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ajuga reptans, or Bugleweed, is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Ajuga, also known as Bugleweed, often symbolizes resilience due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions.
- Protection: In folklore, Bugleweed was sometimes used to ward off evil, and thus it can represent protection and safety.
- Perseverance: Bugleweed's spreading habit and persistence in covering ground can symbolize perseverance and determination in overcoming obstacles.
WaterThe Bugleweed 'Princess Nadia' requires regular watering, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Once established, water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which could be once a week, depending on climate and soil conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil drains well and do not let the plant sit in waterlogged soil. During the hot summer months, you may need to water the plant more frequently. In terms of water amounts, use approximately 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session.
LightAjuga 'Princess Nadia' thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It can tolerate some morning sun but should be protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. The ideal spot for this plant is under the dappled light of taller trees or on the north side of a building where it receives filtered sunlight.
TemperatureThe Bugleweed 'Princess Nadia' can survive in a wide range of temperatures from around 60°F to 75°F being ideal conditions. It can withstand temperatures as low as 40°F but should be protected from harsh, freezing conditions. In the heat of summer, ensure it has plenty of shade to avoid scorching temperatures that can stress the plant.
PruningTo maintain the attractive appearance and health of the Bugleweed 'Princess Nadia', prune the plant by removing dead or damaged foliage as needed. This type of pruning can be done any time of the year. For encouraging dense growth, trim the plants lightly after the flowering period which occurs in late spring to early summer. Pruning older flower spikes may also encourage a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBugleweed 'Princess Nadia' thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with an acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix containing garden compost, loamy soil, and a bit of sand or perlite encourages healthy growth.
RepottingBugleweed 'Princess Nadia' generally doesn't require frequent repotting. Repot it every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container to ensure it remains healthy.
Humidity & MistingBugleweed 'Princess Nadia' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleAjuga tenorei 'Princess Nadia', commonly known as Bugleweed, starts its life cycle as a seed which germinates in moist, well-drained soil typically in spring. After germination, it enters the vegetative stage, developing a rosette of variegated leaves and a low, spreading habit through stolons. As the plant matures, it produces upright spikes that bear vibrant purple flowers, usually in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the plant sets seeds that are dispersed to begin a new generation. Throughout the growing season, it continues to spread and can form dense mats, which may require controlling to prevent it from becoming invasive in the garden. Ajuga tenorei 'Princess Nadia' is a perennial; it will die back in the winter but re-emerge from the roots in early spring, repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Ajuga tenorei 'Princess Nadia', commonly known as Bugleweed, is a beautiful ground cover plant known for its attractive foliage and flowers. The most popular method of propagation for Bugleweed is by division. This is usually done in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, you would carefully dig up an established clump of Bugleweed and gently tease apart the roots into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a portion of the roots and some shoots. These sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing originally, spaced approximately 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for spreading. Water the new transplants well to encourage root establishment. With attention to watering and occasional feeding, these divisions will grow to fill in the spaces, creating a lush carpet of foliage and flowers.
