Images Depict Mature Plants
Ajuga Black Scallop
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'
Ajuga Black Scallop is one of the best Ajugas for bold foliage contrast. The glossy, nearly black leaves give shade beds and container plantings a rich, finished look, while the blue spring flowers add a bright pop as the garden wakes up. I especially like it paired with chartreuse, gold, silver, or variegated foliage plants, where that dark color can really stand out.
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Near-Black Ground Cover for Bold Garden Contrast
Glossy, dark foliage with scalloped texture.
Ajuga Black Scallop forms a dense, low-growing mat of glossy, deep burgundy to near-black foliage with rounded, scalloped leaf edges. This rich foliage color provides a bold contrast against green, gold, silver, and variegated plants in shaded beds, path edges, containers, and mixed borders.
Blue spring flowers add bright seasonal color.
In mid to late spring, short spikes of deep blue flowers rise above the dark foliage for a striking color combination. The blooms add seasonal interest while attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators.
A useful ground cover for shade and part shade.
Black Scallop Ajuga performs well in part shade to full shade and can tolerate full sun when soil moisture is consistent. It is especially useful under shrubs, along walkways, in woodland edges, in foundation beds, and in low areas where a colorful ground cover can help cover bare soil.
Evergreen to semi-evergreen and easy to maintain.
This Ajuga is evergreen to semi-evergreen in many climates, helping garden beds look more finished beyond the main growing season. Once established, its spreading habit creates a dense mat that can help reduce open soil and minimize weed pressure.
Deer-resistant color for borders and containers.
Ajuga Black Scallop is considered deer-resistant and is generally low-maintenance. Use it as a bold edging plant, a dark foliage accent in containers, a ground cover beneath shrubs, or a contrasting carpet around lighter-colored perennials and ornamental grasses.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 2 to 6 inches, 8 to 10 in flower |
| Mature Width: | 1 to 2 feet |
| Sunlight: | Part shade to full shade; tolerates full sun with consistent moisture |
| Soil | Average to moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soils but performs best with even moisture |
| Water | Water regularly after planting; prefers even moisture and should not stay excessively dry for long periods |
| Bloom Time / Color | Mid to late spring; deep blue flower spikes |
| Foliage | Evergreen to semi-evergreen, Glossy deep burgundy to near-black foliage with scalloped leaf edges |
| Ornamental Features | Near-black foliage, scalloped leaves, blue spring flowers, low spreading mat, bold foliage contrast |
| Wildlife Value | Spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators |
| Resistance | Deer resistant, rabbit resistant to tolerant, shade tolerant, and generally low maintenance |
| Landscape Uses | Shade ground cover, border edging, under shrubs, woodland gardens, foundation beds, rock gardens, slopes, containers, path edges, and low-traffic lawn-alternative areas |
How to Care for Ajuga Black Scallop
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Ajuga Black Scallop for years to come!
How should I plant Ajuga Black Scallop?
Plant Ajuga Black Scallop in part shade to full shade with average to moist, well-drained soil. It can tolerate full sun when moisture is consistent, and darker foliage color is often strongest with more light and cooler temperatures. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and set the crown level with the surrounding soil. Backfill, water deeply, and space plants about 10 to 14 inches apart for ground cover plantings or slightly farther apart where a slower fill-in is preferred.
How often should I water Ajuga Black Scallop after planting?
Water Ajuga Black Scallop regularly during the first growing season while the roots establish and the plants begin to spread. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot, dry weather or when planting in more sun. Once established, Ajuga can tolerate a range of garden conditions, but Black Scallop performs best when the soil does not dry out completely for long periods. In containers, slopes, or sunnier locations, check moisture more often and water when the top inch of soil begins to dry.
When should I fertilize Ajuga Black Scallop?
Fertilize Ajuga Black Scallop lightly in spring if growth appears weak or the soil is poor. In most garden beds, a thin layer of compost or a gentle, balanced slow-release fertilizer is enough to support healthy foliage and spring flowering. Avoid heavy fertilizing, which can push overly soft growth and make the planting less tidy. Black Scallop Ajuga is naturally low maintenance and usually performs well without frequent feeding.
When and how should I prune Ajuga Black Scallop?
Prune Ajuga Black Scallop after flowering if the spent bloom spikes look untidy. You can trim flower stems by hand, lightly shear established patches, or mow high over larger plantings to refresh the foliage. Throughout the growing season, edge or pull runners as needed to keep the ground cover within its intended space. If it begins moving into lawn areas, pathways, or nearby perennials, trim the outer edges to maintain a clean border.
