Description
Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ is a delightful and unique herbaceous perennial that is sure to add interest and beauty to any UK garden. This plant is a member of the mint family and is prized for its striking, chocolate-brown foliage and low-growing habit.
Ajuga genus. ‘Chocolate Chip’ is a hardy plant that thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It produces spikes of blue flowers in the spring, which are a favourite of bees and other pollinators. The plant’s foliage is the star of the show, featuring tiny leaves that are a rich, chocolate-brown colour. This creates a beautiful and eye-catching display that can add drama and interest to a border, rock garden, or container.
As a low-growing, spreading plant, ‘Chocolate Chip’ is an excellent choice for groundcover or edging. It is also easy to care for, requiring little maintenance beyond occasional watering and feeding. The plant is known to be resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, making it a great option for gardens that are prone to wildlife damage.
Overall, Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ is a unique and beautiful addition to any UK garden. Its striking foliage, easy care requirements, and ability to attract pollinators make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Bugle ‘Chocolate Chip’
- Hardiness:Fully Hardy
- How big will I get? Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ can grow to a height of 0.5m and a spread of 0.5m.
- Did You Know That:Ajuga reptans is also known as bugleweed, and it gets its name from the tubular shape of its flowers, which resemble a bugle horn.
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ prefers moist but well-draining soil. This plant can grow in soil with a wide range of pH levels, it is not picky about the pH level of the soil.
Best Position
Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ can handle either an exposed or a sheltered position and is a very versatile plant that can cope with full shade, partial shade, or full sun.
Maintenance
Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ is fairly low maintenance and doesn’t require any pruning.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ is generally pest free, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as powdery mildews. It is also known to attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. It is not considered to be toxic.