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Similar but less problematic plants:
Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin' Form
Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip' is often confused with:
Ajuga reptans Ajuga reptans - mass planting wide shot
Native alternative(s) for Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip':
Ampelaster carolinianus Ampelaster carolinianus
Asarum canadense Pairs of leaves
Clematis viorna Clematis viorna
Salvia lyrata Salvia lyrata
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Ajuga reptans Ajuga reptans - mass planting wide shot
Buddleja Lo & Behold® 'Blue Chip Jr.' Buddleja  'Blue Chip Jr.’
Viola sororia Viola papilionacea

Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
a-JOO-guh REP-tanz
Description

Chocolate chip bugleweed is an evergreen, ground-hugging herbaceous perennial in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It is native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. This cultivar has oval, chocolate-colored leaves with burgundy highlights and bluish-purple flower spikes that bloom in mid- to late spring.

This plant prefers partial to full shade and humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil.  It spreads to form a mat and, over time, creates an attractive ground cover that is deer and rabbit resistant and easy to grow. Divide the plant when it grows too crowded in the spring or fall, or propagate it by seed.

Use this plant in small spaces, containers, borders, or under trees and shrubs. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators, so plant it in a butterfly, cottage, pollinator, rock, or shade garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This plant is susceptible to crown rot. Do not plant in heavy clay and avoid overcrowding. It can become weedy.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Annuals, Perennials, Vines, and Groundcovers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens. 

More information on Ajuga reptans.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscapes:
Juniper Level Botanic Gardens: Front Shade Garden Fairy Gardens
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#small spaces#easy to grow#purple flowers#purple leaves#blue flowers#shade garden#cottage garden#rabbit resistant#fast growing#deer resistant#glossy leaves#groundcover#rock garden#nectar plant spring#understory planting#food source nectar#butterfly friendly#heavy shade tolerant#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#small spaces#easy to grow#purple flowers#purple leaves#blue flowers#shade garden#cottage garden#rabbit resistant#fast growing#deer resistant#glossy leaves#groundcover#rock garden#nectar plant spring#understory planting#food source nectar#butterfly friendly#heavy shade tolerant#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Ajuga
    Species:
    reptans
    Family:
    Lamiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Wildlife Value:
    Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
    Play Value:
    Attracts Pollinators
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    heavy shade, deer, rabbit
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 0 ft. 3 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 9 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Perennial
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Creeping
    Dense
    Horizontal
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Nut
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Tubular
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Rosulate
    Whorled
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Ovate
    Spatulate
    Leaf Margin:
    Crenate
    Dentate
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    This plant has small, chocolate leaves with burgundy highlights.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Deer
    Heavy Shade
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Weedy