Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'
bugleweed
Europe, northwest Africa, southwest Asia (species)
Overview
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' is a low evergreen perennial groundcover in the Lamiaceae family, forming a dense mat 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall in flower and spreading 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide by surface runners. The cultivar is grown for its near-black, glossy, scallop-edged leaves 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long; the species Ajuga reptans has plain green leaves, so this selection differs in its very dark, almost black foliage, which holds its darkest colour in full sun. Short upright spikes of deep blue-violet two-lipped flowers 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) tall rise above the mat in spring. It spreads by rooting runners to form a continuous cover and can move into lawns and beds where unchecked. It grows in part shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soil and is hardy to about -20F (-29C). In hot, dry sites the foliage scorches, and in poor air circulation it is prone to crown rot. The dark foliage holds through winter in mild climates.
Native Range
The species Ajuga reptans is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia, where it grows in damp woodland, meadows, and clearings. 'Black Scallop' is a garden selection of this species, propagated from runners rather than seed.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover under shrubs, along path edges, and between stepping stones, spaced 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) apart. The near-black foliage contrasts with green and silver plants and with pale gravel. It also grows in containers as a dark trailing filler.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 6"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Short upright flower spikes open in spring, roughly April to June in the Northern Hemisphere. The deep blue-violet two-lipped flowers are held just above the dark foliage. Bees and other insects visit the spikes.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Near-black purpleGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full sun in moist, well-drained soil at a pH of 5.5-7.5; the darkest leaf colour develops in more sun. Water needs are medium, and the mat stays dense with even moisture and good air movement. It is hardy to about -20F (-29C) and evergreen in mild winters. In hot, dry positions the foliage scorches, and in damp, still air it is prone to crown and root rot. It spreads by runners and can be lifted and divided to control or propagate it.Pruning
Spent flower spikes are sheared off after bloom to keep the mat tidy. Runners that spread beyond their bounds are trimmed or lifted. Crowded mats are divided in spring or autumn to refresh growth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons