Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ – A Dramatic Ground Cover with Glossy, Dark Foliage
Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ is a striking evergreen perennial that provides year-round interest with its deep, almost black, scalloped foliage. In spring and early summer, it produces vivid blue flower spikes that contrast beautifully against the dark, glossy leaves, creating a bold and eye-catching display. With its low-growing, spreading habit, this variety is perfect for ground cover, suppressing weeds while adding rich colour and texture to beds, borders, and containers. Hardy and easy to grow, Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ thrives in various conditions, making it an excellent choice for both sun and shade gardens.
Why Grow Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’?
Dramatic Dark Foliage – Glossy, near-black scalloped leaves provide year-round texture and contrast, adding depth and drama to planting schemes.
Striking Blue Flowers – Spikes of intense blue flowers emerge in spring and early summer, creating a vibrant contrast against the dark leaves.
Excellent Ground Cover – Spreading habit forms a dense, weed-suppressing carpet, making it perfect for covering bare ground or filling gaps in borders.
Pollinator-Friendly – Loved by bees and butterflies, its nectar-rich flowers make it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Hardy & Low-Maintenance – Fully hardy in the UK, ‘Black Scallop’ thrives in a wide range of conditions with minimal care.
Planting & Care Guide
Position – Thrives in full sun to partial shade, though its dark foliage appears richest in sunnier locations. Tolerates full shade but may have a greener hue.
Soil – Prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts well to most conditions, including clay, loam, and sandy soils.
Watering – Water regularly when newly planted. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional watering in dry spells.
Maintenance:
- Trim back after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance and encourage fresh growth.
- Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigour.
- Can be used as a lawn alternative in shady areas, as it withstands light foot traffic.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ pairs beautifully with silver, gold, or bright green foliage plants such as Hosta, Heuchera, and Carex for stunning contrast. It also works well with spring bulbs like Narcissus and Tulips, where its dark leaves enhance the brilliance of their flowers. For a woodland effect, combine with Ferns, Brunnera, and Astilbe, or let it cascade over the edges of containers for a lush, trailing effect.
