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Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {3 1/4 in. Pots, min 25}
36 customer reviews
Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' (AKA Binblasca', Dark Bugleweed, Creeping Carpet Bugle, Carpenter's Herb)
Pronunciation: ah-JOO-guh REP-tanz BLACK SCAL-lop
Product: 9368
Shipping description: This product cannot be shipped to AZ, CA, NV, OR, or WA

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5000 - 9999: $5.37 each10000 - 19999: $5.07 each
20000+: $4.78 each
Temporarily out of stock. Expected 11/30/2026.
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Content note: AI-assisted: Some images, descriptions, or plant specifications on this page may have been created or revised with the assistance of AI. This content is checked, but inaccuracies may remain.

Please also note: Images show mature plants during peak season; young plants may take several years to develop similar colors. Flower and foliage colors vary with season (deciduous plants ordered fall through spring might have yellow/brown foliage or no foliage), growing conditions, and photography. If this plant is new to you, or you would like a broader sense of its natural color range, please view additional photographs [here], and feel free to contact us with questions.
The perfect punch of ebony color, Black Scallop is such a deep burgundy that the scalloped foliage is almost black in appearance. Rich blue blooms beckon butterflies from 8 to 10-inch flower spikes in late spring/early summer. Black Scallop is perfect as an intense carpet of color replacing artificial mulches and choking out weeds. In fact, because of her tolerance of light foot traffic and ability to grow under most trees (including walnut), Black Scallop is often used to replace turf grass. Black Scallop is also frequently selected because she grows well in areas where poor soil, potential drought, or even deer tend to be a problem. Large plantings of Black Scallop are truly a breathtaking show stopper.

Another favorite use among gardeners for Black Scallop is in container plantings where she trails over the sides of pots and her foliage is a welcome contrasting color even when she isn't blooming. In fact, in milder climates, Black Scallop remains evergreen, a trait that makes her a perfect choice for adding year-round curbside appeal.

Remember if you seek that rich black-burgundy hue from Black Scallop's foliage, you'll want to plant her in a sunny location otherwise she'll be more green in color.
See other plants that go well with this plant.
General information about Ajuga (Bugleweed):
Ajuga reptans (commonly called Bugleweed) is noted for her striking range of foliage, colors, and textures. In mass plantings, the blanket of blue flowers is simply stunning. Because of her attractive tri-color foliage and spikes of blue flowers in spring, she is a frequent choice for planting under roses. Superb at choking out weeds, Ajuga creates a mat of semi-evergreen to evergreen, foliage that remains attractive all year round. She is also sought out because it is one of the few groundcovers that will grow under walnut trees. Growing Ajuga under trees offers gardeners who prefer not to mow under them because of the danger of large root systems a lovely solution to covering their ground. Because Ajuga will grow in shady areas, she is a terrific option for spots where grasses often fail to thrive. This makes her a perfect choice to replace turf grass, and even for growth on banks, slopes, and under shrubs. This is a plant most gardeners won’t do without.

Things to Note
The foliage color will be less vibrant in areas with no direct sunlight. For example, the Black Scallop and Bronze Beauty will be greener and the Burgundy Glow will have less burgundy.

Be aware that variegated cultivars such as Black Scallop are hybridized or sports and occasionally she will revert. Watch out for any emerging green shoots. Immediately weed any such shoots out since they are much more vigorous than the variegated plant and will take over the clump.

To avoid crown rot It is critical for Ajugas to be planted with the crown (top of the root mass) slightly ABOVE ground level so water will not pool over the roots.

Speaking of foliage, keep in mind that the more direct sun Ajuga receives the more depth of color her foliage maintains. Plants such as Black Scallop or Bronze Beauty will become more green and Burgundy Glow will be less burgundy with less sunlight.

Interesting Fact
The leaves and young shoots of Ajuga cultivars are edible (but a bit bitter) and add contrasting color to salads.
Specifications
Shipping
If you are more than a one-day ship away, we do not recommend shipping this plant during the heat of summer (July-August). Although our shipments are expedited (at most three days in transit), this plant tends to suffer more than average plants when shipped during hot weather (sometimes melting into mush).

You may order them, but understand that we will not replace or refund should any perish. (more)

You may specify a future ship date when you checkout.
FREE SHIPPING - Classy Groundcovers offers free shipping, and your plants never spend more than three days in transit.

Precise delivery - another benefit from shopping with us is that you know hpw to control exactly when your order will be shipped.

Shipping information that applies to all plants:
- You May Specify Your Shipping Date
- Lookup Shipping Date and Tracking Information
- Special Delivery Instructions
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Care
If desired, in order to rejuvenate the foliage, cut it back to the ground after flowering. Mow large areas of bugleweed with a lawn mower; however, in small patches, trim plants back with pruning shears or a weed trimmer.
Does well in full shade, but its best foliage color is in part-sun locations (at least 3-4 hours of sun per day). Tolerates full sun in southern zones with ample moisture. Prefers loamy, well-drained soil but tolerates moderately dry ones. Avoid situations where it is wet for extended periods.

Do not plant Ajuga too deep, the very top of the root is best left above soil level. Do not overwater, let the top 2" of soil dry out before watering. Do not let it stay bone dry for extended periods, but Ajuga likes air to reach their roots and too much water hampers that.
In areas where spreading is not desired, trim back the runners before they take root or prune ruthlessly once a year.
Requires good drainage.
General information that applies to all plants:
- Ground preparation, fertilization, pH
- Planting instructions
- Explanation and description of bare roots
- How to plant bare root plants
- If you cannot plant bare roots right away

Reviews
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They arrived strong in brilliantly shiny shades of dark greens and in great shape. I have chocolate chip ground cover that were mishandled in weeding process and now there are spaces that I have to fill as the Community Association abhors spaces but I'm confident... Read full review >
Beautiful plants
09/18/2024 By Joe Birmingham (TN)
Product reviewed: Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {3 1/4 in. Pots min 25}

The plants I received were super healthy looking and ready to go in the ground. I was very very satisfied with the quality of the plants.

I'll definitely order more plants from Classy Groundcovers.
Black Scallop Ajuga
07/02/2022 By Anna Pec (NJ)
Product reviewed: Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {3 1/4 in. Pots min 25}

Beautiful plants , beautifully packed for shipping. I also appreciated receiving shipping updates via text. This way I could make sure someone was around to take delivery and not sitting around in the sun in the box.The plants are settling in very nicely !
Not planted yet
09/25/2020 By Kristina Baum (NC)
Product reviewed: Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {3 1/4 in. Pots min 25}

These plants ended up beating the dirt grader so they have been sitting in their pots for a week or more. They are healthy with full leaves and were packed very well. When the grading is done we will plant them in and around the pines and azaleas.
Beautiful plants
09/22/2020 By Dawn Richie (MN)
Product reviewed: Bugleweed 'Black Scallop' {3 1/4 in. Pots min 25}

I was very impressed with the quality of these plants!
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