Black Scallop Bugleweed
Black Scallop Bugleweed
Glossy, Near-Black Foliage and Blue Spring Spikes
Black Scallop Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop') is the darkest, glossiest bugleweed, forming a dense mat of scalloped, near-black purple leaves that shine in the light, topped with spikes of deep blue flowers in spring. The dramatic dark foliage is stunning against gold or chartreuse companions and brightens shaded ground. Deer-resistant and vigorous, it's a striking, weed-smothering groundcover for sun or shade in Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Eagan.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' |
| Mature Size | 4–6 in tall, spreading |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 3–9 (fully hardy across Minnesota) |
| Light | Part shade to full sun (darkest color in sun) |
| Bloom Time | Spring (deep blue spikes) |
| Foliage | Glossy near-black, semi-evergreen |
| Soil | Average, well-drained; adaptable |
Landscape Uses
Use Black Scallop as a dramatic dark groundcover under shrubs, along edges, and on shaded slopes, or as contrast against gold and green foliage. It forms a dense mat, so site it where it can spread or edge it to contain.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall, when cooler weather and steady moisture help it establish and knit together.
How to Plant
Set plants level with the soil surface, spacing them 8–12 inches apart for quick coverage. Water in well and mulch lightly between plants until they fill in.
Watering
First Year: Water 1–2 times per week to establish and encourage spread.
After Year One: Water during dry spells; it's fairly drought tolerant once established.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line or soaker hose keeps the mat evenly moist as it fills in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the darkest color?
The near-black tone is richest in full sun, though it still grows and colors well in part shade.
Does it spread?
Yes, it spreads to form a groundcover; edge it to keep it out of lawns.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's a Zone 3 groundcover, fully hardy statewide.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer generally avoid bugleweed.
You May Also Like
Pair Black Scallop with chartreuse hostas, ferns, and our other bugleweeds for a high-contrast, weed-suppressing planting.
How Many Black Scallop Bugleweed Do I Need?
Space plants 8–12 in apart; they knit into a dense, weed-smothering mat. Plan on roughly 1–1.5 plants per square foot.
| Area to Cover | Plants Needed (~10 in spacing) |
|---|---|
| 10 sq ft | ~14 |
| 25 sq ft | ~36 |
| 50 sq ft | ~72 |
Black Scallop Bugleweed Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Spikes of deep blue flowers rise above the glossy near-black mat.
- Summer: Dense, shining near-black foliage smothers weeds — darkest in sun.
- Fall: The dark leaves hold their dramatic color as the season cools.
- Winter: A low semi-evergreen mat persists under snow, hardy to zone 3.
At a Glance
✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Shade-Tolerant ✔ Drought-Tolerant
Plant It With
- Bronze Beauty Bugleweed — a bronze-green carpet to contrast the near-black foliage.
- Burgundy Glow Bugleweed — a tricolor mat for a multi-textured groundcover.
- Chocolate Chip Bugleweed — a tiny-leaved bugleweed for edges and gaps.
- Pink Fizz Foamy Bells — bright patterned foliage to glow against the dark mat.
Is Black Scallop Bugleweed Right for Your Yard?
Black Scallop is the dramatic dark groundcover for part shade to full sun — its color is richest in sun, and it knits in fast over average, well-drained soil. It's not the right pick next to a manicured lawn unless you edge it, since it spreads by runners and can creep into turf.