'Chocolate Chip' Ajuga is a dense, rapidly spreading ground cover which features low rosettes of large, variegated chocolate, burgundy and green foliage and profuse deep blue-purple flowers on 2" spikes in early Spring. An excellent groundcover for shady areas where grass will not grow. May also be grown on banks or slopes, under trees, under and around shrubs and between stepping stones. Grow in average, well-drained soil. Plants may be mowed after blooming in order to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy appearance of the planting.

Height: 2" to 3" Landscape Usages: Landscape Beds, Foundation, Garden Pond, Containers / Planters, Outdoor Living Areas, Under Shade Tree, Groundcover, Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Border / Edger, Lawn Substitute, Small Groups, Stones and Pavers Colors: Blue Seasons of Bloom: Early Spring Blooms, Spring Blooms, Spring Foliage, Summer Foliage, Fall Foliage, Winter Foliage Type: Groundcover, Evergreen Theme Gardens: Cottage, Japanese, Woodland/Shade

Spread: 6" to 10" Attracts: Visual Attention Characteristics: Flower, Foliage Fragrances: None Growth Rate: Fast Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Morning Sun, Mostly Sun, Mostly Shade Foliage Color: Green, Burgundy Resistant To: Foot Traffic, Deer Resistant, Disease, Heat, Insect Soil Needs: Ammended Clay, Average, Well-Drained Water Needs: Average USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' (Bugleweed) Feeding Instructions

Feed in Spring and then on an as needed basis through late Summer. We generally recommend a slow-release granular flower food, higher in the middle number: this is phospherous, which helps to promote strong root systems, strong stems and plenty of flowers. Alternatively, you may use a natural or organic, non-burning plant food. Refer to product label for application rates and instruction.

Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' (Bugleweed) Pruning Instructions

If desired, cut foliage back to the ground after flowering to rejuvenate the foliage. Large areas of ajuga can be trimmed with a lawn mower. Small patches should be trimmed with pruning shears or a "weed-eater" trimmer. Where not wanted, keep runners trimmed back 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.

Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip' (Bugleweed) Pest Instructions

This plant typically encounters very few pest or disease problems. If a pest or disease problem is identified, treat with an insecticide product, preferably one containing "Neem oil". Neem oil is a safe, triple-action product that can be used to control insects, mites and diseases. If your plant appears seriously stressed or diseased, consult with your local nurseryman, arborist, professional landscaper or local extension agent.