Product Description
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' PP15815 30ct Flat
Common Name: Bugleweed, Carpet Bugleweed
This attractive small-scale groundcover has glossy, near-black, scalloped leaves and a dense habit. The deepest foliage color is achieved when plants are sited in full sun and in cooler temperatures. From mid to late spring, short (4-6") spikes of deep blue flowers stand upright above the low, spreading foliage. The effect is stunning when planted en masse.
'Black Scallop' tends to spread more slowly and stay naturally compact compared to other kinds of Ajuga, making it suitable for use as an edging. It also fits nicely into rock gardens and mixed container plantings. It is reported to be resistant to powdery mildew.
A. reptans is an evergreen groundcover that can grow in the shade of large trees where grass is hard to establish. Unlike many perennials that are grown only for their flowers, Ajuga is prized for its attractive, colorful foliage that looks nice all year.
Ajuga grows best in partial to full shade but will also grow in full sun if constant moisture is provided. It will tolerate any soil, even poor ones, as long as it is well-drained. Good air circulation is essential to avoid crown rot.
Height: 3.0-6.0 Inches
Spread: 8.0-10.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10
Flower Color: Blue shades
Foliage Color: Near-black shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Full Shade (< 4 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid Spring - Late Spring
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Medium
Garden Style:
Border Plant, Container, Easy To Grow, Edging, Ground Cover
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop', also known as the carpet bugle, is a popular groundcover prized for its striking foliage and vibrant blue flowers. This comprehensive guide will provide detailed information about this versatile plant, including its characteristics, care requirements, and landscaping uses.
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' is a low-growing, spreading perennial with glossy, near-black leaves. The leaves are slightly more upright and wavy compared to other Ajuga varieties. The deepest foliage color is achieved when plants are sited in full sun and in cooler temperatures. In mid to late spring, short (4-6") spikes of deep blue flowers stand upright above the foliage. The flowers are fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
This cultivar is a naturally occurring mutation of Ajuga reptans 'Braunherz' that was first observed in 1998. It was subsequently isolated, developed, and introduced into commerce. This Ajuga is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Interestingly, the origin of the genus name Ajuga is unclear.
Ajuga was an ancient medicinal herb and was used as a wound coagulant, which led to its lesser-known common name, "carpenter's herb".
'Black Scallop' tends to spread more slowly and stay naturally compact compared to other kinds of Ajuga, making it suitable for use as an edging or for smaller spaces. It is also reported to be resistant to powdery mildew. Unlike many perennials that are grown only for their flowers, Ajuga is prized for its attractive, colorful foliage that looks nice all year. In milder climates, it remains evergreen, providing year-round interest in the garden.
- Foliage: Glossy, near-black, scalloped leaves
- Flowers: Deep blue, fragrant, appear in mid to late spring
- Growth Habit: Spreading, mat-forming
- Height: 3-6 inches
- Spread: 8-10 inches, may spread over time to 36 inches wide
- Hardiness Zones: 4-9
Care Requirements Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. It thrives in a variety of conditions, but optimal growth is achieved by following these care guidelines:
Sunlight:
- Prefers partial shade to full shade
- Tolerates full sun if provided with constant moisture
- Achieves deepest foliage color in sunny locations
Water:
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, water as needed to maintain evenly moist soil. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary.
Soil:
- Thrives in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils.
- Tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay or sandy soil.
- Good air circulation is essential to avoid crown rot.
- Tolerates black walnut.
Fertilizer:
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- A low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied in late summer.
Pruning:
- Ajuga does not require pruning unless you want to remove spent flower stalks or to control spreading.
- Cut the stalks down to the base after blooming.
- Plants may be cut back to the ground after flowering to rejuvenate the foliage.
Pests and Diseases: While generally pest and disease-free, Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' can be susceptible to whiteflies, slugs, snails, and Southern root-knot nematodes. Potential diseases include rot (Sclerotium), crown rot, and leaf spot (Corynespora, South).
Other Care Tips:
- Space plants 12 inches apart to allow enough space for spread.
- Adding a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
- Divide existing patches into individual rosettes in spring if clumps become overcrowded.
Landscaping Uses Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' is a versatile groundcover that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications. Its striking foliage and low-growing habit make it an excellent choice for:
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover for shady areas where grass is difficult to establish. It can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion. Ajuga is a great option for gardeners who prefer not to mow under trees due to the potential danger posed by surface roots or uneven ground.
- Borders and Edging: Can be used as an edging plant along pathways or to create a border around flower beds.
- Rock Gardens: Its compact size and tolerance for dry conditions make it a good fit for rock gardens.
- Containers: Can be grown in containers as a spiller plant, adding contrast with its dark foliage. The dense foliage cover can help retain soil moisture, reducing watering frequency.
- Underplanting: Can be used to underplant larger shrubs or trees, as it can tolerate some shade and competition.
- Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Turfgrass Alternative: Can be used as a small-scale turfgrass substitute in areas where traditional lawns do not thrive.
- Mulch Replacement: Consider using Ajuga as a replacement for traditional mulch. Its dense growth habit can effectively suppress weeds, reducing or eliminating the need for mulch.
- Formal Gardens: This low grower stays tidy all season long and prohibits weed growth, making it suitable for formal garden settings.
- Foot Traffic: Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' can tolerate light foot traffic.
Ajuga reptans is native to Europe and has the potential to be invasive in some areas. It may form dense evergreen mats that crowd out native vegetation. Gardeners should check local regulations and consider planting native alternatives where appropriate.
Consider combining Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' with these companion plants for a visually appealing display:
- Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Painted Fern (Athyrium)
- Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon)
- Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra)
- Sweet Flag (Acorus)
- Common Blue Violet (Viola sororia)
- Plantain Lily (Hosta 'Wide Brim')
- Japanese Primrose (Primula japonica)
- Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
- Astilbe 'Fanal'
- Bergenia 'Miss Piggy'
- Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds'
- Geranium 'New Hampshire Purple'
- Heuchera 'Black Pearl'
- Hosta 'Prairie Sky'
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' is a valuable addition to any garden. This low-growing, spreading perennial offers striking near-black foliage that provides year-round interest, especially in milder climates where it remains evergreen. In the spring, it produces vibrant blue flower spikes that add a touch of color and attract pollinators. 'Black Scallop' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, from shade to sun, and tolerates a range of soil types. Its compact growth habit makes it an excellent choice for edging, rock gardens, and smaller spaces. This versatile groundcover can be used in numerous landscaping applications, including as a weed-suppressing groundcover, a turfgrass alternative, or even a mulch replacement. Its dense growth habit also makes it effective for erosion control. With its unique characteristics and adaptability, Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' is a must-have for any gardener looking to add a touch of drama and low-maintenance beauty to their landscape.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
