Ajuga, Black Scallop Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' Height: 10 inches Spread: 14 inches
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Hardiness Zone: 4a Other Names: Carpet Bugle Brand: Proven Winners Description: A vigorous, low growing and spreading selection that features stunning scalloped, deep, dark purple foliage; blue flower spikes appear in the spring and into the early summer; deadhead spent flowers Ornamental Features Ajuga, Black Scallop's attractive small crinkled round leaves emerge dark green in spring, turning deep purple in color the rest of the year on a plant with a spreading habit of growth. It features subtle spikes of blue flowers rising above the foliage from mid spring to early summer. Landscape Attributes Ajuga, Black Scallop is a dense herbaceous evergreen perennial with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition. This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration; Ajuga, Black Scallop is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Ajuga, Black Scallop will grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 14 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round. This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. To help this plant achive its best flowering performance, periodically apply a flower-boosting fertilizer from early spring through into the active growing season. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation. Ajuga, Black Scallop is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in hanging baskets. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Special Attributes Needs shade from 11 am to 7 pm in the summer, heat tolerant and low maintenance.
