Plant Min Zone: 4b
Plant Max Zone: 8b
Sunlight: Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Average
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Spring
Flower Color: Blue, Violet
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Bronze, Purplish Black
Summer Foliage Color: Bronze, Purplish Black
Fall Foliage Color: Bronze, Purplish Black
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium
Wind Tolerance: Medium
Poor Soil Tolerance: Shallow Soils
Height: 0.25' - 0.5'
Width: 1' - 2'
Growth Rate: Medium, Fast
Service Life: Medium: 3-5 years
Maintenance Need: Medium
Spreading Potential: Medium
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Evergreen Perennial Only if Winter-Kill Occurs.
Plant Grouping Size: Mass Planting of 10 or more
Best Side of House: East Exposure, North Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Top of Retaining Wall Locations
Ornamental Features: Bright Winter Color, Emerges Early in Spring, Multiple Seasons of Interest, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: Groundcover, Erosion Control
Possible Pest Problems: Weed Competition, Stem/Crown Disease
Plant Limitations: Needs Regular Irrigation
Ajugas are extremely hardy groundcovers that quickly form a dense carpet-like mat. Unlike many perennials that are grown only for their flowers, Ajuga is prized for its attractive, evergreen colorful foliage that looks nice all year. The deepest foliage color is achieved when plants are sited in full sun and in cooler temperatures although in Kansas this may result in foliage burning in summer if not adequately watered. From mid to late spring, short deep blue flower spikes stand upright above the foliage. Do not allow foliage to be covered with leaves or mulch during winter or crown rot disease may occur wiping out large patches. Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' tends to spread more slowly and stay naturally compact compared to other varieties of Ajuga, making it suitable for use as an edging, rock gardens, walking trails borders and mixed container plantings. This attractive small-scale variety has glossy, near-black, scalloped leaves and a dense habit.