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Ajuga Black Scallop
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'
Ajuga 'Black Scallop' offers striking, deep purple foliage and vibrant blue flowers, making it perfect for adding bold color and texture to shaded areas or mixed borders. Ideal as a fast-spreading ground cover, it helps suppress weeds and is deer-resistant, thriving in both garden beds and containers for year-round interest.
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Ajuga Black Scallop for Sale Online
Ajuga 'Black Scallop' or Black Scallop Bugleweed is a striking, low-growing perennial known for its dramatic deep-purple to almost black scalloped foliage, which adds bold color and texture to any garden. This compact ground cover is perfect for filling in shaded areas, rock gardens, or mixed borders with its dense, spreading habit. In the spring, Ajuga 'Black Scallop' produces spikes of vibrant blue flowers, creating a stunning contrast against the dark foliage. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, this versatile plant adapts well to a range of conditions, including full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for different landscape settings.
Reaching a height of 3-6 inches and spreading up to 12-18 inches, Ajuga 'Black Scallop' forms a dense mat of foliage that helps suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Its deep, rich color stays consistent throughout the year, providing year-round interest, even in the winter months when many other perennials have gone dormant. This hardy plant is also deer-resistant and thrives in well-drained, moderately moist soils, though it can tolerate occasional dry periods once established. Its fast-spreading nature makes it ideal for creating ground cover in shaded areas or adding contrast to container plantings.
Ajuga 'Black Scallop' is not only visually appealing but also easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established. It's perfect for use in mixed perennial beds, as edging along pathways, or in containers where it's dark foliage and vibrant spring blooms can stand out. Whether you're looking to add a bold ground cover to your landscape or enhance your garden with unique foliage, Ajuga 'Black Scallop' is a versatile and reliable choice that brings both beauty and practicality to any outdoor space.
| Hardiness Zone: | 4-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 2 to 3 inches |
| Mature Width: | 1 to 2 feet |
| Classification: | Perennial Groundcover |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to full shade |
| Habit: | Spreading |
| Spacing: | Plant 12" on center when planting as a ground-cover. |
| Flower Color: | Blue spikes in late spring through early summer |
| Flowering Season: | April to July |
| Foliage: | Dark Bronze almost True Black |
| Soil Condition: | Average to moist soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a ground cover in the mixed shade border, mass planting. deer resistant, tolerates heavy shade |
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 Do I Plant Ajuga Black Scallop?
To plant Ajuga 'Black Scallop,' start by selecting a location that offers full sun to partial shade, as this versatile ground cover thrives in both light conditions. Ajuga performs best in well-drained, moderately moist soil, but it can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay or sandy soil. Begin by loosening the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches, then dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil, gently firming it down to remove any air pockets, and water thoroughly to help the plant settle. For a dense ground cover, space multiple plants 12-18 inches apart to allow them to spread naturally. After planting, keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first few weeks as the plant establishes itself. Adding a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant will help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition. Ajuga 'Black Scallop' is a low-maintenance plant, but it does appreciate regular watering, particularly in hot, dry weather. Once established, it will spread quickly, forming a dense mat that helps suppress weeds and provide a lush, colorful ground cover. Whether used along pathways, in rock gardens, or as an accent in mixed beds, Ajuga 'Black Scallop' offers vibrant color and texture with minimal care.
How Do I Water Ajuga Black Scallop?
Watering Ajuga 'Black Scallop' correctly is essential to promoting its healthy growth and ensuring it thrives as a ground cover. During the first few weeks after planting, keep the soil consistently moist to help the plant establish a strong root system. Water deeply about once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions, ensuring the top 2-3 inches of soil remain moist but not waterlogged. It’s important to avoid standing water, as Ajuga 'Black Scallop' prefers well-drained soil and can be prone to root rot if the soil stays too wet. Water at the base of the plant, especially during hot or dry periods, to encourage deep root growth. Once established, Ajuga 'Black Scallop' becomes more drought-tolerant, but it still benefits from regular watering, especially during prolonged dry spells or in full sun locations. Monitor the soil moisture regularly, and water whenever the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Mulching around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering. While Ajuga 'Black Scallop' can handle short periods of dryness, keeping the soil consistently moist will ensure its dark purple foliage and vibrant blue flowers remain lush and healthy throughout the growing season. Proper watering will also encourage it to spread quickly, creating a beautiful, dense ground cover.
How Do I Fertilize Ajuga Black Scallop?
Fertilizing Ajuga 'Black Scallop' helps to maintain its vibrant dark-purple foliage and encourages healthy growth and quick spreading. In early spring, before new growth begins, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 formula, around the base of the plant. Spread the fertilizer evenly, starting a few inches from the crown and extending to the drip line to cover the root zone. Water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots. This initial spring feeding provides the nutrients necessary to support lush foliage and promote its vibrant blue flower spikes. For ongoing care, you can also supplement with a light feeding of compost or organic matter in the summer to enrich the soil and provide slow-release nutrients throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing Ajuga 'Black Scallop', as it can lead to overly vigorous growth, crowding out other plants or reducing its ornamental appearance. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plant helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality, providing additional nutrients as it breaks down. With proper fertilization, Ajuga 'Black Scallop' will thrive, maintaining its rich color and spreading to create a dense, low-maintenance ground cover in your landscape.
How Do I Prune Ajuga Black Scallop?
Pruning Ajuga 'Black Scallop' is a simple task that helps maintain its vibrant appearance and encourages healthy growth. After the spring bloom period, it's a good idea to trim back the faded flower spikes to keep the plant looking tidy and to prevent self-seeding, which can lead to unwanted spreading. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the flower stems back to the base of the plant. This light pruning will not only enhance the plant’s overall appearance but also redirect its energy toward producing new foliage, helping it maintain its bold, dark-purple color. Regular trimming of spent blooms will ensure that your Ajuga 'Black Scallop' stays neat and attractive throughout the growing season. In addition to removing flower spikes, you may also need to trim back overgrown or damaged foliage throughout the year to keep the plant in check. If Ajuga 'Black Scallop' begins to spread too aggressively, especially in mixed borders or ground cover areas, you can prune back the outer edges to control its spread. This is particularly helpful in keeping it from encroaching on neighboring plants. It's also beneficial to perform a light pruning in early spring to remove any winter-damaged leaves, allowing fresh new growth to emerge. By regularly pruning and maintaining your Ajuga 'Black Scallop', you'll promote a healthy, vigorous plant that continues to provide lush ground cover and vibrant color year-round.
