Black Scallop Ajuga

Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'

Proven Winners®

Nearly Black Quilted Foliage with Upright Wavy Leaves Creates Dramatic Texture Year-Round
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 1-2 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Late Spring to Late Summer
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

$16⁹⁹

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Black Scallop Ajuga thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it can handle deep shade, providing at least 4 to 6 hours of sun ensures the foliage maintains its deepest dark purple color and tightest growth habit.
Soil: This groundcover prefers moist, well drained soil rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost or aged bark to improve drainage and prevent crown rot, which is this plant's only real nemesis.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to keep the soil consistently moist so the runners can root firmly into the ground. Once established, this Ajuga is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during extreme heat can cause the leaves to lose their glossy sheen or result in smaller flower spikes. Think of regular watering as the fuel that keeps those "scalloped" leaves looking polished and vibrant.

Pruning Tips

This plant blooms on old wood, sending up blue flower spikes in late spring. After the flowers fade, you can use a lawn mower on a high setting or garden shears to "deadhead" the spent blooms and tidy up the foliage. This cleanup encourages the plant to focus its energy on spreading its colorful runners rather than producing seeds.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth appears to support a lush carpet of foliage. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this can stimulate soft, tender growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Evergreen, Groundcover, Slopes/Erosion Control, Deer-resistant, Drought resistant, Low Maintenance, Flowering, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	1-2 ft
Width	1-2 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name	Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'
Species	reptans
Cultivar	Black Scallop
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Ready to add some magic to your landscape? Looking for something really different to put between your stepping stones or as a groundcover in your perennial beds? We have the plant for you!

The Proven Winners® Black Scallop Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop') shows off compelling dark purple glossy quilted leaves that are almost black! The leaves are upright and wavy, which brings a nice texture to your garden! Low-growing and spreading flowering groundcovers, Bugleweed is a wonderfully showy foliage accent!

Tiny spikes of deep-lavender flowers shoot up in the spring! Pollinators adore these flower spikes and they add an additional layer of beauty to these hardy perennial plants. Combine that with the dramatically dark foliage that is also aromatic thanks to its Mint family relations, and you get a showy groundcover that deer and rabbits seldom bother!

Growing and spreading throughout USDA planting zones 4 to 9. Highly adaptable to sun and shade, these creeping groundcover ornamentals will add beauty to your landscape with ease!

Landscape Application:

Black Scallop forms a 4-inch tall mat of colors so dark that your stepping stones stand out like beacons! An extremely hardy groundcover that quickly forms a dense mat that blocks weeds and covers ground as landscape filler.

Besides being excellent along pathways and the driveway, or between stepping stones where it takes light foot traffic like a champ! It also excels as an edger in a flower bed or a filler in a Rock garden. You can even mow it after it blooms to maintain a neat appearance.

Go ahead and pot up in mixed planters or container gardens as a filler and spiller element. You can't go wrong with this fast-growing, hardy groundcover.

Deep-Lavender Spring Flowers
Deep, Dark Low-Growing Glossy Foliage
Fast Growing
Flowering Groundcover That's Foot Traffic Tolerant
Mat-Forming Landscape Filler, Container Spillers & Edging

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Though it does fine in full sun in cooler growing zones, and partial shade everywhere, the best and deepest color comes in a sunny location. In milder climates, these perennial groundcovers keep their color all year round and tolerate full shade in the hottest climates. Any well-drained soils work beautifully and Ajuga needs moderate moisture at first, but is pretty self-sufficient once established. While you enjoy this magical little plant you will rest easy knowing the deer and rabbits do not find it appealing.

Sun to Shade!
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture to Low Once Established
Clean Mounds In Late Autumn or Early Spring
Deer & Rabbit Resistant

Easy to care for and an attractive source of dramatic color, the Proven Winners® Ajuga Black Scallop Bugleweed will be a perfect accent to your landscape this year! Don't forget to order enough Black Scallop Bugleweed Ajuga for your next project from Nature Hills today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and spread of Black Scallop Ajuga?

Black Scallop Ajuga forms a low 4-inch tall mat that spreads to create dense groundcover in zones 4-9. This fast-growing perennial quickly fills in areas and can handle light foot traffic. Plan for its spreading habit when spacing plants in your garden beds or pathways.

Does Black Scallop Ajuga grow well in full sun, part shade, or full shade?

Black Scallop Ajuga is highly adaptable to both sun and shade conditions in zones 4-9. It performs well in full sun in cooler climates but benefits from some afternoon shade in hotter regions. For best results, provide morning sun with protection during intense afternoon heat.

What type of soil does Black Scallop Ajuga prefer for planting?

Black Scallop Ajuga thrives in well-draining soil and adapts to various soil conditions across zones 4-9. This hardy groundcover tolerates both acidic and alkaline soils. Plant in spring for best establishment and water regularly until the roots spread.

How much water does Black Scallop Ajuga need after planting and once established?

Black Scallop Ajuga needs regular watering the first year to establish its spreading root system. Once established in zones 4-9, this hardy groundcover is quite drought tolerant. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once weekly during dry spells.

Is Black Scallop Ajuga deer-resistant and rabbit-proof?

Black Scallop Ajuga is rarely bothered by deer and rabbits thanks to its aromatic foliage from the Mint family. The dark, glossy leaves have a natural scent that deters these common garden pests. Shop this proven deer-resistant groundcover at Nature Hills.

What are the care requirements for Black Scallop Ajuga in containers?

Black Scallop Ajuga thrives in containers as a spiller element, forming dense 4-inch tall mats. It's highly adaptable to both sun and shade conditions across zones 4-9. Provide regular watering and consider partial shade in hot climates for best foliage color.

Is Black Scallop Ajuga cold-hardy in zone 3 or 4 winters?

Black Scallop Ajuga is hardy in zones 4-9, so it won't survive zone 3 winters but handles zone 4 cold well. This tough groundcover forms a reliable 4-inch mat that returns each spring. Choose a more cold-hardy groundcover for zone 3 gardens.

Will Black Scallop Ajuga suppress weeds as a ground cover?

Yes, Black Scallop Ajuga forms a dense 4-inch tall mat that effectively blocks weeds. This fast-growing groundcover quickly spreads to create thick coverage in zones 4-9. Plant it in spring for best establishment and weed suppression by summer.

Black Scallop Ajuga

Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'