This is an excellent filler plant for the modern landscape. Ideal for achieving a dense massed landscape ground cover which will be low maintenance and discourage weeds. This ajuga makes an ideal ground cover edging for borders, around trees and shrubs, or around and between large pavers due to its extremely low growing habit. Light foot traffic is tolerated, attracts butterflies.

Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' is a fast-growing plant which will spread in the garden by stolons to form an attractive, low-growing semi-evergreen to evergreen ground cover. The rich foliage and spring flowers make this a popular choice for replacing turf grass, especially under trees (where mowing over roots can be dangerous).

Prefers part shade, will tolerate full sun in southern zones with ample moisture. Prefers loamy, well-drained soil but tolerates moderately dry ones. Will grow in full shade, but best foliage color is in sunny locations (at least 3-4 hours of sun per day). Avoid waterlogged situations.

Mature size 2-3" tall. Larger plantings may be mowed on a high mower setting to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy the appearance of the planting. Tolerances: deer, drought, pollution, slopes. Less invasive than other Ajugas so plant 5-8" apart for quick establishment of an even cover.

This bugleweed cultivar is most noted for its extremely dwarf habit and its chocolate foliage, and is perhaps best utilized as a small area ground cover. When in full flower, plantings can produce a striking floral display, however this cultivar is primarily grown for its foliage and dwarf size. One of the few groundcovers that will grow under walnut trees.

If desired, cut foliage back to the ground after flowering to rejuvenate the foliage. Mow large areas of bugleweed with a lawn mower; however, in small patches of Ajuga, trim plants back with pruning shears or weed trimmer. Where not wanted, trim back the runners before they take root.

Keep an eye out for reversion in variegated cultivars like this particular plant; occasionally a shoot will emerge that is all green (it is reverting back to the original species.) If this happens, weed it out since it is much more vigorous and will eventually take over the clump, smothering the slower growing variegated plants.

Tolerances: deer, drought, pollution, slopes, poor soil.

USDA: Characteristics of Ajuga reptans

Full sun Part sun Shade

Zones: 3-9