Black Scallop Ajuga

Black Scallop Ajuga (Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop') is a striking evergreen groundcover celebrated for its dramatic, near-black scalloped foliage that creates a bold, jewel-toned carpet across shaded garden beds and borders. In spring, upright spikes of vivid violet-blue flowers rise above the deep chocolate-burgundy leaves, creating a stunning contrast that earns second glances all season long.

Grown from professional-grade nursery stock, Black Scallop Ajuga arrives with a vigorous, well-established root system ready to spread and establish quickly as a low-maintenance groundcover. It excels in shaded and partly shaded spots where other plants struggle, thriving beneath trees, along pathways, and in moist woodland gardens. Its dense mat of foliage also serves as an excellent weed suppressor.

• Dramatic Near-Black Foliage: The deeply scalloped, chocolate-to-near-black leaves provide year-round visual interest and create a sophisticated, moody contrast against lighter-colored companion plants and garden stones.
• Vivid Spring Bloom Spikes: Upright racemes of brilliant violet-blue flowers emerge in spring, attracting bees and other pollinators while adding a stunning pop of color to the dark foliage carpet below.
• Vigorous, Weed-Suppressing Groundcover: Spreads efficiently via stolons to form a dense, low mat that shades out weeds naturally, reducing maintenance in shaded beds, slopes, and woodland borders.
• Shade Tolerant & Versatile: One of the best performing groundcovers for part to full shade, thriving under trees, along north-facing borders, and in spots where lawn grass and sun-loving plants fail.
• Professional Grade Root System: This plant arrives with a healthy, well-developed root system that establishes quickly and spreads reliably throughout the growing season.

This 4" healthy live plant thrives in part shade to full shade with consistent moisture, though it tolerates occasional dry spells once established. Black Scallop Ajuga is a reliable perennial groundcover suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 3–9, making it one of the most cold-hardy and adaptable foliage plants available. Mature height reaches just 4–6 inches with an indefinite spread via stolons. Bloom time is spring (April–May), with foliage providing year-round ornamental value.