Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’ is the darkest form of Ajuga available, and has a long-standing reputation for its excellent general performance in the home garden. ‘Black Scallop’, so named for its lovely dark foliage, creates striking colour accents well when planted next to other plants with lime green, gold or white hues. The leaves are a scallop like shape, forming a dense ground cover ideal for planting between pavers, in shallow containers or along the front of a mixed border. ‘Black Scallop’ also produces lilac purple flower spikes in the spring and summer which sit proudly above the foliage of the plant.

Although best sited in semi-shade for most reliable performance, 'Black Scallop' is a hardy perennial which can grow well in full sun positions as long as the soil is well draining but moist and sheltered from strong afternoon sun. Other requirements are minimal with no pruning required. A single application of slow release fertiliser during spring being recommended for optimum performance. Ajuga 'Black Scallop' performs better in the heat than most other varieties and will withstand frosts and very low temperatures. Another benefit of this form is its mildew resistance - a condition known to afflict many other varieties.

• Moist, semi-shaded areas of the garden • Perfect to create accenting tones around the base of focal points such as garden seats and statues • Ideal for containers • As it forms a dense cover 'Black Scallop' acts as a natural weed suppressant