Ajuga reptans Black Scallop

Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' is a variety of creeping shrub with particularly dark foliage. It is a vigorous perennial groundcover with great ornamental value. It forms a carpet of chocolate bronze almost black leaves, which appear even more spectacular under the pointed spikes of deep blue flowers that appear in early summer. Full sun will enhance the foliage colour of this variety. If already present in a rockery or border, this evergreen plant is truly sublime when it spills over pots. Like all bugles, this one appreciates soils that remain moist in summer.

Ajuga reptans is a perennial plant in the mint family, widespread in Europe, especially in its central and boreal regions. It is also found in western Asia and Algeria.

Rapidly growing, the 'Black Scallop' creeping bugle was first seen in 1998; it is a natural mutation of Ajuga reptans that appeared in an "in vitro" culture laboratory in the United States. It is a compact, prolific and vigorous variety that roots itself thanks to its stolons and ultimately forms a mat of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in height, which theoretically spreads without limits. It develops evergreen rosettes of strongly puckered and deeply veined leaves. Very dark, initially purple then chocolate brown to violet, the foliage appears particularly glossy, glazed with metallic hues. Starting in June, fragrant and deep blue-violet spikes bloom above the foliage. This highly decorative flowering lasts for more than a month.

Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop'  is an exuberant plant that will take up the space you give it. If it tends to escape the boundaries set for it, its growth is easy to control by eliminating wandering stolons. Bugles are among the best groundcover plants; perfect for planting at the base of trees and shrubs, in pots or shaded beds. They can be paired with spring bulbs, colourful deadnettles, or Epimedium. They are also good companions for hostas and shade-loving perennial geraniums. In a fresh rockery, they can be planted next to Acaena 'Blue Haze' or buchananii, Azorella trifurcata 'Nana', lady's mantles, and saxifrages.