Botanical Name: Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’ 

Common Name: Bugleweed 

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in USDA Zones 3–9 

Size: 3–6" Tall × 12–18" Spread 

Growth Habit: Low-Growing, Spreading, Mat-Forming Habit 

Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade 

Soil: Moist, Well-Drained Soil 

Water Needs: Moderate; Regular Water During Establishment

Bloom Season: Mid to Late Spring 

Fertilizer: Minimal; Compost in Spring if Needed 

Features: Dark Chocolate-Brown Foliage, Blue Flower Spikes, Evergreen to Semi-Evergreen 

Uses: Groundcover, Edging, Slopes, Woodland Gardens, Under Trees and Shrubs 

Patent: ❌ Not Patented 

Propagation: ✔ Can Be Propagated

See our complete Ajuga Plant Guide for full care details.

More About Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’

Unlike larger or more aggressive Ajuga varieties, ‘Chocolate Chip’ stays low, narrow, and refined, with slim leaves that hug the ground closely and form a tight, even carpet. The foliage carries deep chocolate to burgundy tones, especially in brighter light, and that darker color provides excellent contrast in shaded or partially shaded gardens where everything else tends to blur together. It’s subtle, but very deliberate—nothing loose or oversized about it. It spreads evenly rather than rushing outward, which makes it especially useful in tighter spaces where you want coverage without chaos. Along paths, between stepping stones, or tucked beneath shrubs, it fills gaps neatly and looks finished without ever feeling bulky.

‘Chocolate Chip’ also performs well across a wide range of light conditions. It tolerates shade beautifully, but the foliage color is richest with some sun exposure, particularly morning sun. Once established, it forms a dense mat that helps stabilize soil, suppress weeds, and reduce maintenance in areas where grass struggles—slopes, tree roots, and narrow transition zones being some of its strongest uses.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

‘Chocolate Chip’ has proven to be dependable, well-mannered, and easy to live with. It spreads steadily but never aggressively, which means it stays where you put it and doesn’t require constant editing. The foliage holds its color well through much of the year, especially in cooler seasons, and it doesn’t thin out or open up as easily as some larger ajuga types.

What we appreciate most is its versatility and control. This is a groundcover that knows its role. It works beautifully as a clean edging plant, fills in beneath shrubs without competing, and provides year-round structure in spots where turf simply isn’t practical. For gardeners who want a low-profile groundcover with strong foliage character—but without the size or vigor of larger ajugas—‘Chocolate Chip’ is a reliable, refined choice that continues to earn its place in the landscape.

Chocolate Chip vs Other Ajuga Varieties

Compared to larger or more dramatic ajuga varieties, ‘Chocolate Chip’ is valued for its compact size and refined, low-profile growth. While ‘Caitlin’s Giant’ is designed for fast coverage with oversized leaves and ‘Black Scallop’ makes a bold statement with dark, glossy foliage, Chocolate Chip stays tight and controlled, making it ideal for edging and small spaces.

Compared to Ajuga ‘Burgundy Glow’ which brings color variation and brightness to shaded spaces, 'Chocolate Chip’ is the better choice when control and precision matter. Its tighter habit and finer texture keep it from overwhelming neighboring plants, making it especially well-suited for borders, walkways, and areas where a clean edge is important. For gardeners who want a dependable groundcover that won’t overwhelm neighboring plants, Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’ is one of the best choices available.