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Herbaceous Perennial

Ajuga reptans Black Scallop ('Binblasca'PBR)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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

Synonyms
Ajuga reptans 'Binblasca'PBR
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
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

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