Plant Library

Other Names:  Carpet Bugle

Description:

A beautiful low-growing ground cover that forms a dense mat of glossy, mahogany colored foliage that really catches the eye; attractive spikes of bright blue flowers add interest in spring, makes a good filler for moist shady areas of the garden

Ornamental Features

Mahogany Bugleweed's attractive crinkled round leaves emerge burgundy in spring, turning grayish green in color with showy burgundy variegation the rest of the year on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. It features subtle spikes of sky blue flowers rising above the foliage from mid to late spring.

Landscape Attributes

Mahogany Bugleweed is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Mahogany Bugleweed is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Rock/Alpine Gardens
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Mahogany Bugleweed will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity extending to 6 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant does best in partial shade to full shade. Keep it well away from hot, dry locations that receive direct afternoon sun or which get reflected sunlight, such as against the south side of a white wall. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider covering it with a thick layer of mulch in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.