Bugleweed ‘Burgundy Lace’ (also known as Carpet Bugle) is a wonderful shade- and drought-tolerant ground cover for the right location. It spread readily in our garden forming dense patches, but doesn’t self-sow, and is easy to pull when it wanders where I don’t want it.

Ajuga’s broad, shiny leaves provide a nice contrast to other ground covers, and the bronze-tipped foliage of this cultivar adds a nice color interest. Other sources mention cream and pink tones, but ours are lacking these colors – perhaps the plant has reverted over time. My favorite feature of this plant is the blue flower spikes sent up in spring – en masse, they create a stunning display that marks the end of the worst winter weather here in the Pacific Northwest!