Ajuga 'Black Forest'

This Ajuga has gorgeous, deep plum, almost black foliage that grows quickly to form a dense, evergreen ground cover for shade or part shade. It is both heat and frost tolerant and has excellent mildew resistance. Australian bred by the amazing team at Plantopia, it is a sport of ‘Burgundy Glow’ with excellent vigour.

Ajuga ‘Black Forest’ is a great ground cover, creeper, edging plant or container sensation. The leaves will gently tumble over retaining walls too. It doesn’t mind the shade and won’t compete for nutrients, so it is ideal under plants such as roses.

The accented, evergreen foliage is also a great weed suppressor. This easy care, rhizomatous perennial will spread at a moderate pace through underground stolons.

Ajuga ‘Black Forest’ copes well with sun or shade and maintains flowering in both – but you will get the best foliage colour in mottled, bright light or part shade and during cool weather. In an exposed sunny spot you will need to water more and hot afternoon sun should be avoided.

Plant Ajuga ‘Black Forest’ in moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil. Water in well (it takes around four weeks of regular watering – sometimes daily in warm weather for the roots to penetrate the surrounding soil) and it will become dry tolerant once established. In pots use a good quality potting mix and add a little fertiliser annually in spring. Rabbits aren’t interested in it.