Bugleweed Ajuga reptans Black Scallop = 'Binblasca' (PBR)
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ABOUT
Ajuga reptans Black Scallop, also known as Bugleweed 'Binblasca', is an attractive perennial ground cover featuring unique, nearly black, scalloped leaves. These glossy leaves are leathery in texture and create dense foliage that spreads across the ground in a mat-like formation. Throughout the growing season, the dark foliage provides a striking contrast to lighter colored plants in the garden. In addition to its foliage, Bugleweed 'Binblasca' produces spikes of vibrant blue flowers. These flowers rise just above the leaves, adding a vertical element and a pop of color to the plant's appearance. The blooms are appealing to pollinators such as bees. The combination of dark leaves and blue flowers creates a dramatic visual impact ideally suited for borders, containers, or as an accent in rock gardens. This plant is appreciated for its low maintenance nature and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle, Carpenter's Herb, Sicklewort, Common Bugle, Ajuga.
Common names
Ajuga reptans 'Binblasca'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bugleweed is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not result in serious poisoning. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities may occur.
To pets
Bugleweed is also considered non-toxic to pets. Like in humans, consuming this plant is unlikely to cause serious illness, but individual animals might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant in significant quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark purple
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
Plant type
Creeper
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Groundcover: Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' provides dense coverage that helps prevent weed growth.
- Ornamental Foliage: It features attractive, dark purple foliage with a scalloped edge.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness.
- Fast-Growing: It spreads quickly, filling in areas for a lush look.
- Tolerates Foot Traffic: Can withstand light foot traffic, making it suitable for garden pathways.
- Attracts Pollinators: Produces flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms with blue to purple flowers in spring, adding seasonal color to gardens.
- Versatile: Can be used in a variety of garden situations, including borders, rockeries, and containers.
- Evergreen: In milder climates, it retains its foliage year-round, providing continuous interest.
- Cold Hardy: It is resistant to cold and can survive in low temperatures without much protection.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Ajuga reptans, commonly known as bugleweed, has been used traditionally for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Antioxidant: The plant contains compounds that are believed to have antioxidant effects.
- Wound healing: There is some traditional use of bugleweed for promoting wound healing due to its astringent properties.
- Thyroid regulation: Bugleweed has been traditionally used to manage mild hyperthyroid conditions, though clinical evidence is limited.
- Cough relief: It has been used in folk medicine to soothe coughs and respiratory conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' can be used as a ground cover in shaded or partially shaded areas where grass might struggle to grow, providing an attractive and low-maintenance alternative.
- Its vibrant foliage and blue flowers can be utilized in garden borders for adding visual contrast against lighter colored plants.
- The dense mat that Ajuga reptans forms can be effective in preventing soil erosion on slopes or banks.
- This plant can be planted in containers where its dark foliage can complement brighter flowers or foliage plants.
- The leaves can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, imparting a range of green shades.
- In a fairy or miniature garden, Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' acts as a fantasy forest or meadow due to its scalloped leaves and petite stature.
- As an edging plant, it can define walkways and paths, providing a lush, living border.
- Its quick-spreading habit makes it suitable for filling in gaps between stepping stones, offering a touch of greenery that withstands foot traffic.
- Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' can be used in living outdoor wall art installations, taking advantage of its texture and color for visual appeal.
- The plant's tendency to attract bees can be beneficial in gardens that focus on supporting pollinators.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bugleweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bugleweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Tenacity: The Bugleweed, with its creeping nature and ability to spread quickly, symbolizes perseverance and the capacity to thrive in various conditions.
- Protection: Traditionally, Bugleweed was thought to ward off evil or negativity, which is why it is associated with guarding and safety.
- Healing: Due to its medicinal properties, the Bugleweed is often associated with healing, both physical and emotional.
- Grounding: As a plant that stays close to the ground, it symbolizes staying grounded and connected to one's roots.
WaterBugleweed prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it regularly, especially during dry periods. However, it's also crucial not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to add water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may amount to about 1 inch of water per week, depending on weather conditions. During the growing season, this could mean watering once or twice a week, but always adjust based on rainfall and temperature. For an established plant, using about half a gallon every week should suffice, but make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
LightBugleweed thrives best in partial to full shade, though it can tolerate sunnier spots if kept moist. It's the perfect ground cover for shaded areas beneath trees or on the north side of buildings where it can receive dappled sunlight. It's important to keep this plant out of the intense afternoon sun to prevent scorching of its attractive, dark foliage.
TemperatureBugleweed is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, ideally growing in zones 3 to 9, which corresponds to a minimum temperature of about -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, for optimal growth, maintaining a temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This plant can survive short periods of higher temperatures but requires adequate moisture to cope with the heat.
PruningBugleweed benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its dense mat-forming habit and to remove any brown or damaged foliage. Prune in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth; once a year should suffice. If desired, after flowering, you can trim back the flower spikes to keep the plant tidy and potentially encourage a second flush of blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBugleweed 'Black Scallop' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with a pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 6.0-7.5). A mixture of garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingBugleweed 'Black Scallop' is a ground cover that spreads by stolons and rarely needs repotting. It's typically planted outdoors and not repotted unless it's being propagated or divided.
Humidity & MistingBugleweed 'Black Scallop' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions, making it versatile for various outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, keep soil moist, and allow room to spread.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleAjuga reptans 'Black Scallop', commonly known as bugleweed, begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring a period of cold stratification to germinate effectively. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and grows into a young plant with characteristic dark, scalloped leaves and a creeping habit. As it matures, bugleweed spreads rapidly by stolons, or runners, which take root at nodes and establish new plants, leading to dense vegetative colonies. The mature plant blooms in spring to early summer, producing spikes of blue to violet flowers that attract pollinators and can lead to seed production. Following flowering, if conditions are favorable, bugleweed can continue to grow and spread, often becoming perennial in many regions with a robust root system that enables it to overwinter. The whole cycle may repeat as new seeds are produced, dispersed, and find suitable conditions for germination, while vegetative propagation can persist throughout the growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop', commonly known as Bugleweed, is a perennial plant that can be propagated through division in the spring or after flowering. The most popular method of propagation is division, where the gardener can gently separate the plants at the roots. This plant forms a dense carpet and will readily produce offsets that can be lifted and separated from the parent plant. These offsets should be replanted immediately about 12 to 15 inches apart (30 to 38 cm), making sure that the soil is well-drained and enriched to promote healthy growth. Water the new divisions adequately until they are established in their new location. This method is simple and effective, ensuring that the striking foliage and growth habit of 'Black Scallop' is consistent in the new plants.
