Chocolate Chip Ajuga | Bugleweed | Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip'

Patent-Free Variety — Grown by Plant Factory Direct

Add to Cart Now & Save Automatically

Why Chocolate Chip Ajuga Is Trending in 2026

• One of the fastest-spreading, lowest-maintenance ground covers available — plant it once and let it work
• Stunning copper-burgundy foliage that looks great 12 months a year, even in winter
• Gorgeous purple-blue flower spikes in spring attract pollinators and stop neighbors in their tracks
• Deer resistant, heat tolerant, and thrives in zones 4–10 — virtually no-fail across the US
• $15.79 less than what competitors charge for the same plant — with free shipping on top

What Chocolate Chip Ajuga Does For You

Imagine a carpet of rich, chocolatey foliage spreading effortlessly across bare spots, slopes, and shaded corners of your yard — filling in where grass won't grow and weeds try to take over. Chocolate Chip Ajuga transforms problem areas into polished, low-maintenance beauty. Its compact 2–3" height means no mowing, no edging, and no fuss. Come spring, it erupts in vivid purple-blue flower spikes that draw in bees and butterflies. This is the ground cover that does the work so you don't have to.

• Eliminates bare, weedy patches with dense, weed-suppressing coverage
• Adds year-round color with deep burgundy-copper foliage
• Brings spring drama with fragrant purple-blue blooms
• Thrives in tough spots — shade, slopes, dry areas
• Saves you money vs. the competition — $15.79 less per plant, shipped free
• Establishes fast and spreads naturally, multiplying your investment

Plant Highlights

• Botanical Name: Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip'
• Type: Perennial Evergreen Ground Cover
• Growing Zones: 4–10
• Mature Height: 2–3 inches
• Mature Width: 6–9 inches per plant
• Foliage Color: Copper / Burgundy / Dark Green
• Flower Color: Purple-Blue
• Flower Fragrance: Sweet Scent
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Water Needs: Average
• Soil: Widely Adaptable
• Deer Resistant: Yes
• Pollinator Friendly: Yes
• Heat & Cold Tolerant: Yes
• Pet Friendly: No
• Pruning: Trim or mow after flowering ends

Grab Yours Now — Free Shipping, Save Up to 30%

Premium Features & Solutions

Chocolate Chip Ajuga solves the problems most gardeners struggle with — bare shady spots, erosion on slopes, and the endless battle against weeds. Its dense, spreading habit creates a living mulch that crowds out weeds naturally. Unlike grass, it thrives in partial shade and doesn't need mowing. Unlike most ornamentals, it's deer resistant and cold-hardy down to Zone 4.

Our Quart-size plants are field-grown specimens with established root systems — not tiny plugs. They arrive ready to establish quickly and spread aggressively in their first season. And at $42.99 with free shipping, you're getting a plant that competitors sell for $15.79 more — before they even add shipping costs.

Choose Your Size

This product is available as a Premium Quart — an established, field-grown plant with a healthy root system ready to hit the ground running. Not a plug, not a cutting. A real plant, grown right here at Plant Factory Direct.

Smart Growing Guide

Beginner — Simple Steps to Success

1. Pick your spot: Works in sun or shade — almost anywhere in your yard.
2. Prep the soil: Loosen the top 4–6" and remove any weeds.
3. Plant it: Space plants 6–9" apart for quicker coverage, or 12" apart to let them spread naturally.
4. Water in: Give a good soak after planting. Water regularly for the first 2–3 weeks until established.
5. Sit back: Ajuga takes care of the rest. Trim lightly after spring blooms fade if desired.

Advanced — Optimization Tips

• For maximum spread speed, plant in early spring or early fall when soil temps are 50–65°F.
• Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage and accelerate establishment.
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer at planting (10-10-10 or similar) to fuel first-season runner production.
• Divide established clumps every 2–3 years in spring to propagate new plants and maintain vigor.
• In Zone 4–5, apply a light layer of mulch over crowns in late fall for added winter protection.
• Mow at 3–4" after bloom to tidy up and encourage dense lateral spread.

Pro Tips for Maximum Impact

• Mass plant for wow factor: Use 6+ plants in a single bed for a lush, carpet effect in one season.
• Edge with it: Plant along walkways or borders for a polished, professional look with zero maintenance.
• Pair with spring bulbs: Ajuga's foliage hides fading bulb leaves beautifully after tulips and daffodils bloom.
• Use on slopes: Its spreading roots help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on hillsides.
• Buy 6 and save 30%: The more you plant, the faster you fill — and the more you save automatically at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Chocolate Chip Ajuga spread?
Very fast. In ideal conditions, a single plant can spread 6–12" in its first season. Plant multiples for full coverage in year one.

Will it grow in full shade?
It prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate deeper shade but may spread more slowly and produce fewer blooms.

Is it invasive?
'Chocolate Chip' is a compact, well-behaved cultivar — much less aggressive than standard Ajuga. It spreads by runners but is easy to control.

What size plant will I receive?
Our Quart plants are established, field-grown specimens with healthy root systems — not plugs. They establish quickly and begin spreading in their first season.

How does the Fill My Box savings work?
Add 2, 4, or 6 Chocolate Chip Ajuga plants to your cart and the discount applies automatically at checkout — no coupon code needed. 2 plants = 15% off, 4 plants = 25% off, 6 plants = 30% off.

Do you offer free shipping?
Yes — free shipping on every order, every time. No minimum required.

Why is your price $15.79 less than competitors?
We grow our own plants at Plant Factory Direct, cutting out the middleman. You get nursery-direct quality at a price no retailer can match — plus free shipping.

Is Chocolate Chip Ajuga deer resistant?
Yes. Deer tend to avoid it, making it an excellent choice for gardens in deer-heavy areas.

Is it safe for pets?
Ajuga is not considered pet-friendly. Keep pets away from the planting area, especially while establishing.

What zones does it grow in?
Zones 4–10, covering most of the continental United States. We ship to zones 3–11 (excluding AK, HI, PR).

When will my order ship?
We monitor weather at your destination. Orders are held during extreme heat (above 95°F) or cold (below 34°F) to protect your plants in transit.

Can I mix Chocolate Chip Ajuga with other plants in my Fill My Box order?
The Fill My Box savings on this page apply to Chocolate Chip Ajuga only. Each product page has its own savings offer.

Ordering & Shipping

• Free shipping on every order — no minimum, no exceptions.
• Ships to zones 3–11. We do not ship to AK, HI, or PR.
• Weather-monitored shipping — we hold orders during extreme heat (>95°F) or cold (<34°F) to ensure your plants arrive healthy.
• Plants are carefully packaged to survive transit and arrive ready to plant.

Note: The images and videos on our site are the best way to show off our products and show how good we are as growers. Depending on the season you buy, you may get a plant that is smaller or bigger than the picture shows. The plant might bloom like it does on our site, but it might not. We cut off the blooms most of the time because they don't ship well. When you buy our plants, think of them as an investment in your future garden, and enjoy the process of seeing it grow to its fullest.