Ajuga Black Scallop

Description

Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’ – bugle

Botanical name: Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’
Common names: Bugle
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Plant type: Evergreen perennial groundcover
Habit: Low, creeping, mat-forming, spreading by runners
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 10–15cm tall × spreading
Foliage: Glossy, deeply coloured, near-black purple, scalloped leaves; evergreen
Flowers: Short spikes of deep blue flowers in spring (April–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade (darkest leaf colour in sun)
Soil: Moist but well-drained; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–9
Exposure: Sheltered or open; tolerant
Native range: Garden form; the species is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ is a striking evergreen groundcover with glossy, near-black purple scalloped leaves and deep blue spring flower spikes. Superb for weed-suppressing carpets in sun or partial shade.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the darkest-leaved of all groundcover plants, ‘Black Scallop’ forms low, spreading carpets of glossy, near-black purple, scalloped leaves, topped in spring by short spikes of deep blue flowers. Evergreen and weed-suppressing, spreading steadily by runners, it is superb for dramatic groundcover, edging and dark foliage contrast, thriving in sun or partial shade.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade — the leaf colour is darkest and glossiest in sun, though it tolerates shade. It spreads by runners to form a carpet, so allow room, or use it as groundcover. Space about 30cm apart. Keep moist while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Remove spent flower spikes after flowering. It spreads by runners; detach and remove or replant these to control or increase it. Water in dry spells, as it can suffer in prolonged drought. Tidy any tatty foliage in spring. An easy, weed-suppressing groundcover.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide, or detach rooted runners, in spring or autumn — very easy.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. It can suffer from crown rot in heavy, wet soil, or scorch in hot, dry, sunny spots; moist but well-drained soil suits it best. Otherwise easy and vigorous.

Uses in the garden

Superb as dramatic dark groundcover in borders, under shrubs and at the front of beds, for edging, weed suppression and foliage contrast, and between other plants, where its near-black leaves and blue flowers stand out.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, and the dense evergreen carpet provides ground-level cover for insects and small creatures.

Toxicity & safety

Bugle is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Black Scallop’ has some of the darkest, glossiest foliage of any groundcover — near-black leaves that look fabulous against gold, silver or bright green, and topped with blue flower spikes in spring. For the deepest colour give it a sunny spot (it goes greener in shade), keep it reasonably moist, and simply pull out or replant the spreading runners to control it or make more.

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