Bugle and Spotted dead-nettle are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Ajuga reptans 20 cm × 1 m after 10 years
A low ground cover that spreads quickly by runners and knits a dense carpet under trees and shrubs in part shade or shade, with spikes of blue flowers…
Lamium maculatum 20 cm × 90 cm after 10 years
Spotted dead-nettle is a low, fast-knitting ground cover for shade and part shade: its silver-marked leaves brighten dark corners and pink, purple…
Bugle grows larger: 20 cm × 1 m after ten years, against 20 cm × 90 cm for Spotted dead-nettle.
Spotted dead-nettle tolerates drought better than Bugle.
Spotted dead-nettle is cheaper: about €3.20 at the size usually planted, against about €5 for Bugle.
|
Feature
|
Bugle
|
Spotted dead-nettle
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Ground cover |
| Size after 10 years | 20 cm × 1 m | 20 cm × 90 cm |
| Ultimate size | 10–30 cm × 0.3–1 m | 10–25 cm × 30–90 cm |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Light | Part shade, Shade | Part shade, Shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic | Average garden soil, Acidic, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Semi-evergreen | Semi-evergreen |
| Flowering | April–June, blue | May–September, pink, purple, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 25 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | no data | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | no data | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €5 | approx. €3.20 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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