Ajuga reptans Black Scallop ('Binblasca'PBR)
bugle [Black Scallop]
A usually-evergreen creeping perennial with very glossy, dark, near-black, scalloped leaves, and short spikes of deep blue flowers in late spring and early summer. The leaves will become darker in lighter, colder conditions
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Black Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black Green | |||
| Autumn | Black Green | |||
| Winter | Black Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Ajuga are mostly spreading, rhizomatous perennials with attractive evergreen foliage, rarely annuals, with whorled two-lipped flowers forming short spikes
- Name status
Trade
How to grow
Cultivation
The ideal plant for growing under trees in moist conditions. A partly shaded position with some sun is needed to bring out the dark leaf colour. Although it will grow in shade, foliage will be greener
Propagation
Propagate by division. It is easy to remove rooted plantlets in spring or early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Powdery mildews can be a problem
Get involved
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