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Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip' Bugleweed (4 Inch) is a charming ground cover plant known for its distinctive, chocolate-brown foliage and compact growth habit. It provides excellent coverage and adds a unique color to shaded or partially shaded garden areas.
Description:
- Dimensions: Grows to a height of 4-6 inches with a spread of 8-12 inches.
- Sun Exposure: Thrives in full shade to partial shade, ideally receiving 3-6 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
- Water Requirements: Prefers well-drained soil and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in Zones 3-10.
- Bloom Time: Blooms in late spring to early summer, producing spikes of small, blue or violet flowers that contrast beautifully with the chocolate-colored foliage.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed. Trim back any dead or damaged foliage in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain appearance.
How to Plant:
- Location: Ideal for shaded or partially shaded garden beds, borders, or under trees. Excellent for filling in gaps and suppressing weeds.
- Soil Preparation: Use well-draining soil. Amend with compost or organic matter if needed to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Planting: Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Spacing: Space plants 8-12 inches apart to allow for their mature spread and to ensure good coverage.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season. Once established, water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist.
Fun Fact: 'Chocolate Chip' Bugleweed stands out for its unique chocolate-brown foliage that adds an unexpected color to shade gardens. Its compact growth and attractive flower spikes make it a versatile choice for ground cover in low-light areas. The plant's ability to thrive in challenging conditions, such as deep shade, and its low-maintenance nature make it a popular choice for creating lush, vibrant ground cover that suppresses weeds and enhances garden design.