Ajuga 'Midnight Mystery' is a bugle with a deliciously dark sense of style, valued for its dramatic purple foliage and vivid spring flowers. The leaves create a rich, moody carpet at ground level, setting off neighbouring plants with the sort of contrast that makes a border suddenly look far more considered. In spring, bright purple-pink flower spikes rise above the foliage, bringing a lively burst of colour to the display. As the first purple-leaved ajuga variety to feature pink blooms, Ajuga 'Midnight Mystery' has real novelty as well as charm, which is always a welcome combination.

Plant Ajuga 'Midnight Mystery' in moist but well-drained soil, in sun or partial shade, where it can spread neatly between perennials, soften path edges or bring colour beneath shrubs. Its dark leaves are particularly striking with lime-green foliage, silver plants, pale spring bulbs and blue or white flowers, creating a layered effect without demanding much space. Ajuga 'Midnight Mystery' is also useful in containers, where its foliage can spill gently around taller companions. Compact, colourful and quietly hardworking, Ajuga reptans 'Midnight Mystery' is a ground cover plant with far more personality than its modest habit might suggest.