A Tiny-Leaved Groundcover That Carpets Tough Spots

Chocolate Chip Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip') is one of the smallest, daintiest bugleweeds, forming a flat, ground-hugging mat of narrow bronze-green leaves topped with short spikes of violet-blue flowers in spring. It knits together quickly to suppress weeds and fill gaps in sun or shade, even between stepping stones. Deer-resistant and easy, this fast groundcover solves bare-ground problems in Edina, Maple Grove, and Woodbury.

Landscape Uses

Use Chocolate Chip as a low groundcover under shrubs and trees, between stepping stones, along path edges, and on shaded slopes. It spreads to form a dense mat, so site it where it can fill in or edge it to contain.

Best Time to Plant

Plant in spring or early fall, when cooler weather and steady moisture help it establish and knit together.

How to Plant

Set plants level with the soil surface, spacing them 8–12 inches apart for quick coverage. Water in well and mulch lightly between plants until they fill in.

Watering

First Year: Water 1–2 times per week to establish and encourage spread.
After Year One: Water during dry spells; it's fairly drought tolerant once established.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line or soaker hose keeps the mat evenly moist as it fills in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it grow in shade?
Yes, it thrives in part shade and also takes full sun with enough moisture.

Does it spread?
Yes, it spreads readily to form a groundcover; edge it to keep it out of lawns.

Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, it's a Zone 3 groundcover, fully hardy statewide.

Is it deer resistant?
Yes, deer generally avoid bugleweed.

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Pair Chocolate Chip with hostas, ferns, and our other bugleweeds for a layered, weed-suppressing shade planting.