About
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' is a creeping perennial that typically retains its foliage throughout the year. It features glossy, dark, nearly black leaves with a distinctive scalloped edge. In late spring and early summer, it produces short spikes adorned with deep blue flowers. The color of the leaves may intensify in brighter, cooler environments.
About the genus
Ajuga primarily consists of spreading, rhizomatous perennials that feature appealing evergreen leaves, with annuals being a rare occurrence. The plants produce whorled, two-lipped flowers that cluster in short spikes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full shade, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
- Cultivation
- The ideal plant for growing under trees in moist conditions. A partly shaded position with some sun is needed to bring out the dark leaf colour. Although it will grow in shade, foliage will be greener
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division. It is easy to remove rooted plantlets in spring or early autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews can be a problem