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Sports tiny, tight rosettes of glossy, green foliage. New leaves emerge milk-chocolate, tinged plum-purple. Spikes of blue, purple or white blooms, rise 4-6 inches above the foliage in spring. Excellent ground cover, which prefers fertile, well-drained soil with good drainage in sun to partial shade. Great for beneath trees and shrubs, where little else will grow. Crown rot can be a problem in the heat and humidity of the deep South and in heavy, wet soils. Requires excellent drainage in this situation. Considered evergreen in warmer climates, semi-evergreen in cooler climates. Cut off flowers after bloom to promote growth. Use a liquid fertilizer in spring and autumn. Useful in borders, the shade garden, as an edger, in rock gardens and containers. Will tolerate moderate foot traffic. Prefers regular watering, but will adapt to drier conditions once established. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to Ajuga, not to mention being deer resistant and a low allergen. If one is looking for a perennial ground cover to exceed in a hard to grow shady area, Chocolate Chip Ajuga is the way to go.
Ajuga tolerates a wide range of soil conditions as long as soil is well drained.
It may be grown in any type of light from full sun to full shade. The leaves will tend to be smaller when grown in full sun, but the plant will produce more flower spikes.
Ajuga prefers moist soil, but will tolerate drought remarkably well.
Established plants should be set or transplanted in the garden in early spring.
The crown should never be covered with soil or the plant will rot and die.
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