{"product_id":"ajuga-black-scallop","title":"Ajuga 'Black Scallop'","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAjuga ‘Black Scallop’\u003c\/strong\u003e is a striking groundcover perennial known for its glossy, near black scalloped foliage and deep blue flower spikes. It forms a dense mat that suppresses weeds and adds dramatic color contrast to borders, pathways, and containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"836\" data-start=\"745\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"765\" data-start=\"745\"\u003eHeight \u0026amp; Spread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 4 - 6 in x 1 - 2 ft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"915\" data-start=\"840\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"855\" data-start=\"840\"\u003eBloom Time: \u003c\/strong\u003eMid to late spring (April to June)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"1004\" data-start=\"919\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"942\" data-start=\"919\"\u003eLight Requirements: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull sun to part shade; foliage color deepest in full sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"1099\" data-start=\"1008\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1028\" data-start=\"1008\"\u003eSoil Preference: \u003c\/strong\u003ePrefers moist, well drained soils; tolerates a range of soil types\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"1197\" data-start=\"1103\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1122\" data-start=\"1103\"\u003eWatering Needs: \u003c\/strong\u003eModerate; appreciates consistent moisture, especially in sunnier spots\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"1274\" data-start=\"1201\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1221\" data-start=\"1201\"\u003eDeer Resistance: \u003c\/strong\u003eDeer resistant due to its bitter-tasting foliage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eNATIVE STATUS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eOriginates from Europe and western Asia, though it has naturalized in some parts of North America. Despite this, it is non invasive in most managed garden settings and is often used in ecological landscapes for its soil stabilizing and pollinator friendly traits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWILDLIFE \u0026amp; INSECTS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1913\" data-start=\"1679\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1698\" data-start=\"1679\"\u003eButterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1913\" data-start=\"1679\"\u003eProvides nectar for spring butterflies such as Azure, Eastern Tailed-Blue, and Painted Lady. Its early blooming period is crucial in bridging the floral gap between spring bulbs and summer perennials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1913\" data-start=\"1679\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1927\" data-start=\"1915\"\u003eBees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1913\" data-start=\"1679\"\u003eAn early season favorite of honeybees, bumblebees, and small solitary bees. Its dense clusters of blue blooms offer easy landing pads and abundant nectar at a time when few other sources are available.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2361\" data-start=\"2145\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2171\" data-start=\"2145\"\u003eBeneficial Insects\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2361\" data-start=\"2145\"\u003eAttracts hoverflies and other pollinating flies that support both pollination and natural pest control efforts. Though not a host plant, it supports many insects in early life cycles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSPACING \u0026amp; LANDSCAPE USE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSpacing Recommendations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3176\" data-start=\"3005\"\u003eSpace plants 12 - 18 inches apart to allow for gradual spreading and full coverage over time. Closer spacing leads to faster groundcover establishment in small areas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eLandscape Placement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePerfect for border edges, underplanting shrubs, shade gardens, slopes for erosion control, between stepping stones, and container spillers. Ideal for creating high contrast plantings when paired with silver or chartreuse foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eCOMPANION PLANTS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"4303\" data-start=\"3617\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3714\" data-start=\"3617\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3714\" data-start=\"3619\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3641\" data-start=\"3619\"\u003eHeuchera (Caramel)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Warm toned foliage that contrasts beautifully with dark ajuga leaves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3810\" data-start=\"3715\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3810\" data-start=\"3717\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3748\" data-start=\"3717\"\u003ePulmonaria (Trevi Fountain)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Spotted foliage and blue flowers bloom in similar seasons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3902\" data-start=\"3811\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3902\" data-start=\"3813\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3829\" data-start=\"3813\"\u003eHosta (June)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Soft variegation provides brightness and pairs well in partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3991\" data-start=\"3903\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3991\" data-start=\"3905\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3936\" data-start=\"3905\"\u003eCarex oshimensis (Evergold) \u003c\/strong\u003e- Graceful ornamental grass with yellow-green blades\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4090\" data-start=\"3992\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4090\" data-start=\"3994\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4017\" data-start=\"3994\"\u003eTiarella cordifolia\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Foamflower)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Native woodland groundcover with frothy spring blooms\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4194\" data-start=\"4091\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4194\" data-start=\"4093\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4130\" data-start=\"4093\"\u003eBrunnera macrophylla (Jack Frost) \u003c\/strong\u003e- Silver foliage and early flowers for woodland-style gardens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4303\" data-start=\"4195\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4303\" data-start=\"4197\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4235\" data-start=\"4197\"\u003eFerns (Dryopteris, Athyrium)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Add textural softness and thrive in similar shaded moist soils\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cicconi Farms","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":45901690503329,"sku":"AJUGA BLACK SCALLOP","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0359\/3329\/0634\/products\/776ytyt5t5.jpg?v=1674675136","url":"https:\/\/cicconi-farms.myshopify.com\/products\/ajuga-black-scallop","provider":"Cicconi Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}