Ground covers

• Evergreen perennial
• Zones 1-24, 26-45
• Full sun or partial shade
• Regular water

Spreading quickly by runners, carpet bugle makes a mat to 4 inches high of dark green (or, in some kinds, purple or variegated) leaves that grow 2 to 4 inches wide, depending on exposure and on the particular variety. Six-inch-tall spikes of blue flowers appear in spring. Mow or trim off old spikes after flowering. Carpet bugle may escape into lawns or other plantings if not confined by an edging or path. It is subject to root rot and fungus in heavy soils. Space 6 to 12 inches apart.