Bugle 'Chocolate Chip'

Sometimes listed as 'Valfredda', 'Chocolate Chip' is a charming and distinctive ground-cover perennial. It is much smaller and more refined than the common Ajuga reptans, forming a very low, dense mat of tiny, narrow, oval leaves. The foliage is a delightful dark chocolate-purple with hints of metallic green, providing a rich, dark texture to the garden floor year-round. In late spring and early summer, it produces numerous short spikes of deep violet-blue flowers that stand out beautifully against the dark leaves. It is a slow-to-moderate spreader, making it ideal for smaller gardens, rockeries, or for planting between flagstones. It is remarkably tough and can tolerate occasional foot traffic. It thrives in partial shade and moist but well-drained soil, though it will maintain its best leaf colour in a spot with some morning or afternoon sun. It is fully hardy (H7) and is a great choice for providing low-level interest in a variety of garden settings.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun.