Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Mahogany')

Overview

Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ is a highly valued, dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover perfect for filling in tough landscape areas. Its primary aesthetic draw comes from its distinctive foliage; the cultivar ‘Mahogany’ features near black-burgundy leaves in spring that mature into a deep, rich mahogany hue throughout the season. This tough Bugleweed creates a striking tapestry close to the ground, suppressing weed growth as it establishes.

This herbaceous perennial is valued for its low maintenance and adaptability, thriving in zones 4 through 9. While it spreads aggressively by stolons to form a dense mat, it provides excellent year-round texture beneath taller plantings. The plant offers charming accents when its spikes of bright blue flowers appear in late spring, rising just above the dark foliage.

Gardeners appreciate Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ for its ability to solve planting problems in shady areas where turf struggles, offering persistent color and reliable coverage. Its creeping habit makes it an excellent solution for covering slopes or acting as living mulch.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.25-0.75 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: May to June
• Bloom Description: Blue
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Plant Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. While it tolerates moderately dry conditions, the best growth and foliage color for this Bugleweed are achieved when soil remains consistently moist and humusy. Aim to plant individuals 6 to 9 inches apart to ensure a prompt, solid mat cover within one season.

Although this ground cover handles full sun, part-sun locations—receiving at least three to four hours of direct sun daily—usually produce the most vibrant foliage color. Be sure to provide good air circulation, especially in hot, humid climates, as poor airflow can encourage crown rot, a potential issue for this Ajuga.

Maintenance is generally low. Monitor established clumps and divide them if they become overly crowded. After flowering, the stalks can be mowed on a high setting or simply cut back to rejuvenate the foliage display. Its natural creeping growth handles naturalizing beautifully, but avoid planting directly adjacent to or within lawn areas, as unwanted spread into the turf can be difficult to manage.

Landscape Uses

The primary function of Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ is serving as an effective, spreading ground cover designed to fill in large, challenging shady areas where grass struggles. This low-growing Bugleweed is excellent for stabilizing banks and slopes due to its dense, mat-forming nature. It also provides a dramatic, dark foundation beneath taller shrubs or around the bases of trees.

Consider using this cultivar to edge shaded walkways or borders, providing a crisp contrast against lighter stone or gravel. Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ naturally works well with spring-flowering bulbs, such as snowdrops, as the bulb foliage dies back just as the bugleweed spreads fully to cover the emerging bare soil.

Design with its spreading habit in mind; utilize hardscape elements or deep borders to contain the stoloniferous spread if you prefer neat edges. While excellent as primary coverage, its suitability for containers should be monitored, as it will root out quickly unless root-bound pots are used in rock gardens or small decorative pockets.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Ajuga reptans, commonly called bugleweed, is a dense, rapidly spreading, mat-forming ground cover which features shiny, dark green leaves. Whorls of tiny, blue-violet flowers appear in mid to late spring on spikes rising above the foliage to 10”. Cultivars of this species feature leaves with more interesting and varied foliage color. When in full flower, large clumps of bugleweed can produce a striking display. Dense foliage will choke out weeds. Not particularly tolerant of foot traffic. Specific epithet means creeping. ‘Mahogany’ has near black-burgundy leaves that emerge in spring. As the cultivar name suggests, those leaves gradually turn into a deep mahogany. Two-lipped, bright blue flowers (typical mint family) bloom in spring (late April - June) on leafy spikes rising above the foliage to 6-8” tall.

Tolerances

• Rabbit
• Deer
• Black Walnut

Potential Problems

Crown rot is the main concern for Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’, particularly when grown in heavy, wet soils or in the high humidity found in the deep South. To prevent this, ensure the planting site has excellent drainage and provide sufficient air circulation around the plants. Regularly divide clumps when they become overcrowded, as dense growth traps moisture and encourages fungal issues. Be extremely cautious when placing Bugleweed near lawns or delicate perennial borders; its vigorous, creeping, stoloniferous nature means that stray patches are difficult to eradicate once established in unwanted turf areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Bugleweed suitable for?

Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 9.

How large does Bugleweed grow?

This creeping ground cover generally reaches a height between 0.25 and 0.75 feet, spreading between 1 and 2 feet wide.

When does Bugleweed bloom?

Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ typically blooms from May to June, producing spikes of blue flowers above the foliage.

What sun exposure does Bugleweed need?

It prefers full sun to part shade, but note that the best foliage color for Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ is usually achieved when it receives at least 3–4 hours of sun per day.

Conclusion

Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ is an indispensable selection for gardeners seeking a tough, low-maintenance ground cover defined by dramatic, deep-colored foliage. The rich mahogany tones of this Bugleweed provide superior seasonal interest, effectively choking out weeds while establishing a dense protective mat. Before planting, confirm your site offers medium moisture and well-drained soil, and plan placement carefully to manage its vigorous spreading habit successfully.

Companion Planting

When selecting partners for Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’, focus on plants that share its cultural needs for medium moisture and tolerance for bright shade or part sun. Hostas provide excellent broad-leaf contrast to the narrow, flat leaves of the Bugleweed, especially varieties with chartreuse or variegated centers. Ferns, such as Japanese Painted Ferns or Autumn Ferns, also thrive in similar conditions and complement the dark, moody tones of the mahogany foliage beneath.

Consider pairing this Ajuga with shade-loving spring ephemerals like certain woodland phlox varieties or early blooming bulbs. As the bulbs fade, Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ emerges strongly to take over the ground plane, ensuring continuous season-long coverage in those perpetually shady spots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring rejuvenation is key for maintaining the best look in your Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’. Promptly after flowering concludes in early summer, consider mowing the entire planting area on a high setting to remove spent flower spikes and encourage fresh, tidy growth. If any non-mahogany (non-variegated) leaves appear, remove them immediately to maintain the cultivar’s signature color.

During the summer, monitor moisture levels, especially during dry spells, as medium watering ensures the foliage remains lush. In hot, humid regions, ensure good airflow to mitigate the risk of crown rot; dividing overcrowded patches every few years also promotes better air circulation and plant vigor. Minimal feeding is usually required for this reliable perennial.

Conclusion

Ajuga reptans ‘Mahogany’ is an indispensable selection for gardeners seeking a tough, low-maintenance ground cover defined by dramatic, deep-colored foliage. The rich mahogany tones of this Bugleweed provide superior seasonal interest, effectively choking out weeds while establishing a dense protective mat. Before planting, confirm your site offers medium moisture and well-drained soil, and plan placement carefully to manage its vigorous spreading habit successfully.