Ajuga 'Black Scallop'

Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop': Bold Groundcover with Glossy Depth

Striking and low-growing, Ajuga 'Black Scallop' offers rich, near-black foliage and a spreading habit that adds dramatic contrast to shady and sun-dappled plantings. Its scalloped, glossy leaves form dense mats that suppress weeds and flow beautifully between stepping stones, borders, or under shrubs. In mid to late spring, vivid blue flower spikes rise above the foliage, creating a powerful contrast that attracts pollinators and brightens the ground layer. With its bold colour and textural appeal, this ajuga makes a big statement in a small space.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 10–15 cm (foliage); up to 20 cm in bloom
• Spread: 45–60 cm and slowly expanding
• Flower Colour: Deep blue-violet
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Glossy, scalloped leaves in deep burgundy to near-black
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade (best colour in full sun with moisture)
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and average soils

Uses and Benefits: 'Black Scallop' excels as a bold groundcover in borders, under trees, or along walkways. It provides striking colour contrast beneath lighter-toned or silver foliage plants and helps knit plantings together with low-maintenance ease. Pollinator friendly and deer resistant, it’s also excellent for erosion control on gentle slopes or in shaded problem spots.

Companion Plants: Pair Ajuga 'Black Scallop' with Heuchera 'Silver Scrolls' for a stunning interplay of dark and silvery tones. Add Salvia nemorosa 'May Night' to introduce upright violet spikes that echo the ajuga’s bloom colour and create vertical lift. Weave in Carex 'Ice Dance' for a grassy, arching form and crisp white variegation that enlivens the overall composition.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, especially in sunnier sites. Tolerates a wide range of soils and light conditions. Cut back flower spikes after blooming to tidy the planting and encourage fuller foliage. Divide or thin clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding.

History: A selection of the European species Ajuga reptans, 'Black Scallop' was bred for its intensely dark foliage, glossy texture, and vigorous growth. It has become a go-to groundcover for dramatic colour and adaptability in contemporary garden designs.

Final Thoughts: With its bold leaves and rich contrast, Ajuga 'Black Scallop' adds a layer of sophistication and drama to the ground plane—an easy, eye-catching choice for weaving texture and colour through sun or shade.