This dark-as-night Bugleweed, Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop,' has unusually large, bold foliage. The color is nearly black and the leaves are also delightfully scalloped. There's the bonus of short spikes of blue flowers in late spring. 'Black Scallop' is superb as a hardy, vigorous ground cover (tuck in some dwarf Daffodils among the plants).

This Old World genus includes one of the best ground covers for full sun or partial shade, Ajuga reptans, the Carpet Bugleweed. As its name suggests, it spreads enthusiastically, producing abundant runners that root wherever they touch the soil. The multiplying rosettes of shiny, oval leaves soon grow so thick that weeds can’t compete.