Creeping Bugleweed Plant Care

Creeping Bugleweed (Ajugoides humilis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family within the Ajugoides genus. Creeping Bugleweed is native to Japan. Creeping Bugleweed is also known as Dwarf Bugleweed.

Creeping Bugleweed displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Creeping Bugleweed produces small tubular purple flowers in dense spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Creeping Bugleweed 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.

Creeping Bugleweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Ajugoides humilis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Creeping Bugleweed prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Creeping Bugleweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Creeping Bugleweed 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 full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Creeping Bugleweed is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

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.

Creeping Bugleweed 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 Creeping Bugleweed 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.

Creeping Bugleweed 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.

Creeping Bugleweed can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of clumps, seeds.

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

Creeping Bugleweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Creeping Bugleweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Creeping Bugleweed is native to Japan. In cooler regions, grow Creeping Bugleweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.