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Herbaceous PerennialSynonym

Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip'

bugle 'Valfredda'

A popular low growing, mat forming evergreen perennial producing dense clumps of ovate, dark green-purple 'chocolate' foliage. Short spikes of blue flowers appear in Spring. Slightly less vigorous and more compact in habit

Synonyms
Ajuga reptans 'Valfredda'
Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip'
see moreAjuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip'

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green Purple
Summer Blue Green Purple
Autumn Green Purple
Winter Green Purple
Position
  • Full shade
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Ajuga are mostly spreading, rhizomatous perennials with attractive evergreen foliage, rarely annuals, with whorled two-lipped flowers forming short spikes

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a moist but well drained soil in part sun to full shade. Will tolerate almost any soil as long it is moist and rich in humus. Will scorch in full sun. Excellent for ground cover and will spread quickly, has the potential to become a nuisance in some areas

Propagation

Propagate by division in late Autumn or early Spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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