Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' (Carpet Bugle)
Bugle 'Black Scallop', Carpet Bugle 'Black Scallop', Ajuga 'Black Scallop', Bugleweed 'Black Scallop', Carpetweed 'Black Scallop'
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' (Carpet Bugle) is a creeping perennial prized for its short spikes of fragrant, deep blue flowers and very glossy, near-black, scalloped leaves. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the flowers rise above the contrasting, spreading rosettes formed by the leaves, putting on an eye-catching display.
Ajuga reptans is valued as a wonderful spreader making a colorful groundcover, which will thrive in shady areas where grass has difficulty growing. Evergreen in most regions, it is perfect for planting between stepping stones or in wall crevices.
- Gardeners treasure the showy foliage of Ajuga reptans and its carpet habit more than its flowers. Ground-hugging, this perennial plant grows up to 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) and 36 in. wide (15-90 cm), and remains attractive most of the year.
- A part shade to full shade lover, it thrives in average, medium, well-drained soils and tolerates almost any soils provided they are moist and humusy. Will tolerate full sun if constant moisture is provided.
- Provide good air circulation to avoid crown root problems. This plant is rabbit and deer resistant!
- A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: groundcovers, on banks or slopes, under trees or shrubs. It is also great in containers!
- Propagate by division, separating rooted stems.
- Generally pest free. Watch for powdery mildews
- May be mowed after flowering in order to get rid of the spent flower spikes and clean up the planting.
- Ajuga reptans species is native to Europe. It is potentially invasive and may form dense evergreen mats that crowd out native vegetation.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Ajuga - Carpet Bugles |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
The above picture is courtesy of Erica Enterprise
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 9 |
---|---|
Heat Zones | 1
– 9 |
Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3 |
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Ajuga - Carpet Bugles |
Exposure | Partial Sun, Shade |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early) |
Height | 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm) |
Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |