{"title":"Ajuga","description":"\u003cp\u003eA fast, tidy ground cover with glossy leaves in bronze, burgundy and green, topped with blue flower spikes in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"ajuga-black-scallop","title":"Ajuga 'Black Scallop'","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border:2px solid #C8102E; background:#FDECEC; padding:12px 16px; margin:0 0 16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0; color:#C8102E;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEADS UP. THIS ONE SPREADS.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:6px 0 0 0; color:#C8102E;\"\u003eAjuga spreads quickly by runners that root as they go, and it will creep into lawns and nearby beds. Plant it where it can be contained, and keep it out of woodlands, ravines and other natural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAjuga 'Black Scallop'\u003c\/em\u003e: Near-Black Gloss That Carpets in a Hurry\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlossy purple-black leaves so dark they look like the bottom of a cast iron pan, crinkled and gleaming. 'Black Scallop' spreads fast and tops it off with deep blue spikes. THE GROUND COVER WITH A LEATHER JACKET.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e 'Black Scallop' (cultivar name 'Binblasca')\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bugleweed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10–15 cm (4–6 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30–45 cm (12–18 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short spikes of deep blue flowers held just above the leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid to late spring (May to June)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rounded, glossy, crinkled leaves in deep purple-black. Evergreen in mild winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast-spreading ground cover, rabbit resistant, takes light foot traffic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use it to cover ground fast: under shrubs, along path edges, between stepping stones, or on a gentle slope where mowing is a chore. It also spills nicely over the edge of a container, and a few hours of direct sun keep the leaves at their darkest. It isn't native, so keep it in the garden and out of natural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lay this dark carpet under a moist, part-shade bed and let taller plants rise out of it. \u003cem\u003eHelleborus HGC® Ice N' Roses® Dark Picotee\u003c\/em\u003e opens white flowers edged in dark red at 30 to 45 cm from March to May. \u003cem\u003eHeuchera 'Cherry Cola'\u003c\/em\u003e adds cherry-red leaves and bells at 15 to 23 cm in June and July. \u003cem\u003eLigularia 'Othello'\u003c\/em\u003e brings golden-orange daisies at 90 to 120 cm from July to September over purple-backed leaves. \u003cem\u003eMolinia 'Moorflamme'\u003c\/em\u003e adds a clump of fine blades at about 60 cm that turns orange-red in fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart in average, well-drained soil that stays a little moist. Water regularly through the first season. It dislikes very dry shade and soggy winter soil, where crown rot can set in. It spreads by runners, so give it an edge it can't cross, or keep it away from the lawn. Trim or mow off the spent flower spikes after bloom to keep it tidy. Pull up runners that wander where you don't want them, and lift and replant pieces every few years if the centre thins out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e is native to Europe and nearby parts of western Asia and North Africa, and gardeners have grown it for centuries as a shade-tolerant carpet. 'Black Scallop' is one of the darkest-leaved selections and is sold around the world under its registered cultivar name 'Binblasca'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sun, shade or that weird strip by the walkway? It handles them all and takes a little foot traffic too. ROLL IT OUT LIKE A CARPET, BUT GOTHIC.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ground Covers","offers":[{"title":"Tray of 18 Plants (9cm Pots) \/ Blue \/ 3","offer_id":67851583160598,"sku":"AJUGBLS10","price":160.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/Ajuga_BlackScallop.png?v=1793722751"},{"product_id":"ajuga-bronze-beauty","title":"Ajuga 'Bronze Beauty'","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border:2px solid #C8102E; background:#FDECEC; padding:12px 16px; margin:0 0 16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0; color:#C8102E;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEADS UP. THIS ONE SPREADS.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:6px 0 0 0; color:#C8102E;\"\u003eAjuga spreads quickly by runners that root as they go, and it will creep into lawns and nearby beds. Plant it where it can be contained, and keep it out of woodlands, ravines and other natural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAjuga 'Bronze Beauty'\u003c\/em\u003e: Bronze Living Mulch for Bare Patches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBronzy purple-brown leaves with a glossy finish, like someone polished the patio floor. 'Bronze Beauty' spreads fast and blooms blue right when the early bees need breakfast. THIRD PLACE? NOT A CHANCE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e 'Bronze Beauty'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bugleweed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10–15 cm (4–6 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30–45 cm (12–18 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short spikes of deep blue flowers just above the leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid to late spring (May to June)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy, rounded, bronzy purple-brown leaves. Evergreen in mild winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast-spreading ground cover, rabbit resistant, takes light foot traffic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use it as a living mulch under shrubs, along path edges, between stepping stones or on a slope you'd rather not mow. It also trails nicely over the edge of a container, and leaf colour is richest with a few hours of sun. It isn't native, so keep it in the garden and away from natural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use 'Bronze Beauty' as the ground layer of a moist, shady bed full of soft textures. \u003cem\u003eBrunnera 'Queen of Hearts'\u003c\/em\u003e opens baby-blue flowers at 41 to 46 cm in April and May over silver heart-shaped leaves. \u003cem\u003eAruncus 'Chantilly Lace'\u003c\/em\u003e adds creamy lace sprays at 60 to 80 cm in June and July. \u003cem\u003eHeuchera 'Berry Timeless'\u003c\/em\u003e brings light pink bells at 20 to 25 cm from June to October. \u003cem\u003eChasmanthium latifolium\u003c\/em\u003e grows to 60 to 120 cm with bamboo-like leaves and flat, dangling seed heads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart in average soil that stays evenly moist but drains well. It grows in sandy or clay soil. Water regularly through the first season. Very dry shade under maples or evergreens is a struggle, and soggy soil can lead to crown rot. It spreads by runners that root as they go, so keep it away from the lawn or give it a firm edge. Mow or clip off spent flower spikes after bloom to keep it tidy. Divide in spring or fall if the centre thins, or to start new patches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e comes from Europe and nearby parts of Asia and North Africa, where it grows in damp meadows and woods, and it has been grown in gardens for centuries as a shade-tolerant ground cover. Its runners earned it the species name \u003cem\u003ereptans\u003c\/em\u003e, which means creeping.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant it under shrubs, between stepping stones or anywhere the weeds keep winning. Deer and rabbits give up. A PODIUM FINISH FOR EVERY BARE PATCH.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ground Covers","offers":[{"title":"Tray of 18 Plants (9cm Pots) \/ Blue \/ 3","offer_id":67851583193366,"sku":"AJUGBRB10","price":160.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/Ajuga_BronzeBeauty.png?v=1793722700"},{"product_id":"ajuga-burgundy-glow","title":"Ajuga 'Burgundy Glow'","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border:2px solid #C8102E; background:#FDECEC; padding:12px 16px; margin:0 0 16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0; color:#C8102E;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEADS UP. THIS ONE SPREADS.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:6px 0 0 0; color:#C8102E;\"\u003eAjuga spreads quickly by runners that root as they go, and it will creep into lawns and nearby beds. Plant it where it can be contained, and keep it out of woodlands, ravines and other natural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAjuga 'Burgundy Glow'\u003c\/em\u003e: Wine, Cream and Silver Underfoot\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilvery green, washed with wine red, edged in cream and pink, with new growth in deep burgundy. 'Burgundy Glow' wears four colours at once and somehow pulls it off. THE GROUND COVER THAT OVERDRESSES ON PURPOSE.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e 'Burgundy Glow'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bugleweed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 15 cm (6 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30–45 cm (12–18 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short spikes of blue flowers held above the leaves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid to late spring (May to June)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Silvery green leaves washed with wine red and edged in cream and pink. New growth comes in deepest burgundy. Evergreen in most winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Colourful ground cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use it to cover the ground in shady beds, under shrubs and trees, or as edging along a path. It's also a nice spiller in shade containers, and it grows a little more slowly and stays tidier than plain green types. It isn't native, so keep it out of natural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Weave this tricolour carpet through a moist, shady bed that flowers from April into September. \u003cem\u003eEpimedium 'Frohnleiten'\u003c\/em\u003e opens butter-yellow flowers at 30 to 40 cm in April and May. \u003cem\u003eDicentra spectabilis\u003c\/em\u003e adds rose-pink bleeding hearts at 60 to 90 cm in May and June. \u003cem\u003eAstilbe 'Superba'\u003c\/em\u003e brings tall magenta-pink plumes at 90 to 120 cm in August and September. \u003cem\u003eCarex 'Blue Zinger'\u003c\/em\u003e edges the bed with arching steel-blue blades at 30 to 45 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in part shade to shade, in average soil that stays evenly moist but never waterlogged. Morning sun is fine, but strong afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Water regularly the first season and during dry spells, especially in shade under trees. It spreads by runners, so keep it away from lawns or give it an edge. Clip off spent flower spikes after bloom. If any shoots revert to plain green, pull them out so they don't take over. Divide clumps in spring or fall to fill bare spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e is native to Europe and nearby parts of Asia and North Africa, where it creeps through damp woods and meadows. Gardeners have grown its coloured-leaf selections for generations, and 'Burgundy Glow' is one of the classic variegated forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Shade, part sun, a dull path edge? It glows anyway, and the early bees love the blue spikes. AN AREA RUG FOR PEOPLE WHO HATE VACUUMING.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ground Covers","offers":[{"title":"Tray of 18 Plants (9cm Pots) \/ Blue \/ 3","offer_id":67851583226134,"sku":"AJUGBUG10","price":160.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/Ajuga_BurgundyGlow.png?v=1793722639"},{"product_id":"ajuga-chocolate-chip","title":"Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip'","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"border:2px solid #C8102E; background:#FDECEC; padding:12px 16px; margin:0 0 16px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:0; color:#C8102E;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHEADS UP. THIS ONE SPREADS.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin:6px 0 0 0; color:#C8102E;\"\u003eAjuga spreads quickly by runners that root as they go, and it will creep into lawns and nearby beds. Plant it where it can be contained, and keep it out of woodlands, ravines and other natural areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAjuga 'Chocolate Chip'\u003c\/em\u003e: Chocolate Mini Mat With Blue Spikes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTiny chocolate bronze leaves in a flat, dense mat, like somebody spilled the cookie jar between your pavers. 'Chocolate Chip' is the smallest of the bugleweed bunch. BAKED FRESH. NEVER CRUMBLES.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e 'Chocolate Chip' (also listed as 'Valfredda')\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bugleweed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10 cm (2–4 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30–45 cm (12–18 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Short, lacy spikes of deep blue flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mid to late spring (May to June)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small, narrow, chocolate bronze leaves forming a dense, flat mat. Evergreen in mild winters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dwarf, fine-textured ground cover, takes light foot traffic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Its small leaves and low height make it ideal between stepping stones, along the front edge of a bed, in a rock garden or tucked into a container. It covers ground more slowly than the big-leaved types, which makes it easier to keep in its place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tuck this tiny, dark-leaved carpet in front of a moist, part-shade bed with bold plants behind. \u003cem\u003eHelleborus HGC® Ice N' Roses® Merlot\u003c\/em\u003e opens deep wine-red flowers at 38 to 45 cm from March to May. \u003cem\u003eHeuchera FYRE WING™ 'Heliodor'\u003c\/em\u003e adds bright foliage at 28 cm with white bells in May and June. \u003cem\u003eHibiscus 'Blackberry Merlot'\u003c\/em\u003e brings huge velvety red blooms at 120 to 135 cm from July to September in the sunnier corner. \u003cem\u003eMolinia 'Moorhexe'\u003c\/em\u003e grows to 60 to 90 cm in flower with fine dark green blades that turn golden in fall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant about 25–30 cm (10–12 in) apart in average, well-drained soil that stays a bit moist. Leaf colour is darkest with some sun. Water regularly through the first season, and during long dry spells after that, especially in shade under trees. It spreads by runners, so give it a clear edge away from the lawn. Shear off spent flower spikes if you want a tidy look. Divide in spring or early fall to move pieces into new spots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Chocolate Chip' came from the Italian nursery Valfredda, which is why the name 'Valfredda' often appears beside it, and it was introduced to North America as 'Chocolate Chip'. It's most often sold as a form of \u003cem\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e, a species native to Europe and western Asia, though some sources list it under \u003cem\u003eAjuga\u003c\/em\u003e × \u003cem\u003etenorii\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tuck it between stepping stones and let people walk on it. The deer won't touch it, and the early bees will. NO MILK REQUIRED.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ground Covers","offers":[{"title":"Tray of 18 Plants (9cm Pots) \/ Blue \/ 3","offer_id":67851583258902,"sku":"AJUGCHC10","price":160.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/Ajuga_ChocolateChip.png?v=1793722494"}],"url":"https:\/\/blacksheepperennials.com\/collections\/ajuga.oembed","provider":"Black Sheep Perennials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}