Bonin Bugle Plant Care

Bonin Bugle (Ajuga boninsimae) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Ajuga genus. Bonin Bugle is native to the Bonin Islands of Japan.

Bonin Bugle displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Bonin Bugle produces small, tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bonin Bugle every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Bonin Bugle thrives in part shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Bonin Bugle in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ajuga boninsimae tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Bonin Bugle prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with a mix of organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Bonin Bugle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bonin Bugle every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with part shade to full shade and well-draining, fertile soil with a mix of organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bonin Bugle is suited to USDA Zone 12a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Bonin Bugle can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Bonin Bugle while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Bonin Bugle is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Bonin Bugle can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to australian bugle plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Bonin Bugle is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Bonin Bugle grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Bonin Bugle is native to the Bonin Islands of Japan. In cooler regions, grow Bonin Bugle as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.