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Herbaceous Perennial

Ajuga reptans 'Mahogany'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

bugle 'Mahogany'

Vigorous semi-evergreen perennial about 15cm tall, producing attractive, spreading, intense burgundy-red foliage in spring, followed by short spikes of two lipped, deep blue-purple flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Bronze Red
Summer Bronze Red
Autumn Bronze Red
Winter Bronze Red
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Ajuga are mostly spreading, rhizomatous perennials with attractive evergreen foliage, rarely annuals, with whorled two-lipped flowers forming short spikes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well drained soil in part sun to full shade. Will tolerate almost any soil as long it is moist and rich in humus. Will scorch in full sun. Excellent for ground cover and will spread quickly, may be considered a nuisance in some areas

Propagation

Propagate by division in late Autumn or early Spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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