{"product_id":"ajuga-chocolate-chip","title":"Ajuga 'Chocolate Chip'","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAjuga ‘Chocolate Chip’\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact, low growing groundcover perennial renowned for its rich chocolate brown foliage and small striking blue flower spikes. It’s an ideal plant for shaded gardens, adding a contrasting touch of color with its unique leaf texture and blooming in early spring to attract beneficial pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"900\" data-start=\"806\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"826\" data-start=\"806\"\u003eHeight \u0026amp; Spread: \u003c\/strong\u003e2 - 3 in x 1 - 2 ft \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"900\" data-start=\"806\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"919\" data-start=\"904\"\u003eBloom Time: \u003c\/strong\u003eSpring (April to May)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"1067\" data-start=\"972\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"995\" data-start=\"972\"\u003eLight Requirements: \u003c\/strong\u003ePrefers part to full shade, though it can tolerate some morning sun\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"1177\" data-start=\"1071\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1091\" data-start=\"1071\"\u003eSoil Preference: \u003c\/strong\u003eMoist, well drained soil; adaptable to slightly acidic or neutral soil conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"1293\" data-start=\"1181\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1200\" data-start=\"1181\"\u003eWatering Needs: \u003c\/strong\u003eModerate, with even moisture being ideal; appreciates regular watering during dry spells\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\" data-end=\"1387\" data-start=\"1297\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1317\" data-start=\"1297\"\u003eDeer Resistance: \u003c\/strong\u003eDeer resistant due to its bitter tasting foliage and dense growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eNATIVE STATUS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1782\" data-start=\"1417\"\u003eNot native to North America. It is a cultivar of \u003cem data-end=\"1515\" data-start=\"1500\"\u003eAjuga reptans\u003c\/em\u003e, which is native to parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. However, like many other \u003cem data-end=\"1609\" data-start=\"1602\"\u003eAjuga\u003c\/em\u003e species, it has naturalized in North America, and it is widely used in gardens for its aesthetic and ecological qualities, especially in shaded or woodland garden settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWILDLIFE \u0026amp; INSECTS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2097\" data-start=\"1817\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1836\" data-start=\"1817\"\u003eButterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2097\" data-start=\"1817\"\u003eExcellent nectar source for spring butterflies like the Common Blue and Spring Azure. Its blue flower spikes are particularly attractive to butterflies during the early spring months, offering them much needed nectar.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2340\" data-start=\"2099\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2111\" data-start=\"2099\"\u003eBees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2340\" data-start=\"2099\"\u003eThe plant’s early blooming flowers attract honeybees and bumblebees. The dense flower spikes allow bees to easily land and collect nectar, supporting their populations during early spring when food sources are limited.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2578\" data-start=\"2342\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2368\" data-start=\"2342\"\u003eBeneficial Insects\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2578\" data-start=\"2342\"\u003eIn addition to pollinators, ladybugs and lacewings are drawn, where they help control aphid populations, thus supporting a balanced ecosystem and reducing the need for chemical pesticides.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSPACING \u0026amp; LANDSCAPE USE\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eSpacing Recommendations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"3821\" data-start=\"3644\"\u003eFor optimal growth, space plants 12 - 18 inches apart. This allows them to fill in areas quickly while preventing overcrowding, which can hinder airflow and overall health.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eLandscape Placement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4226\" data-start=\"3855\"\u003eExcellent choice for shade gardens, woodland settings, under trees, or shaded borders. It works well as a groundcover to fill in empty spaces, provide contrast, or trail along the edges of pathways or garden beds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eCOMPANION PLANTS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"5265\" data-start=\"4376\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4498\" data-start=\"4376\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4498\" data-start=\"4378\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4405\" data-start=\"4378\"\u003eHosta (Blue Mouse Ears)\u003c\/strong\u003e - The small blue gray leaves contrast nicely with the dark chocolate brown Ajuga foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4608\" data-start=\"4499\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4608\" data-start=\"4501\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4523\" data-start=\"4501\"\u003eHeuchera (Caramel)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Warm golden tones provide an excellent contrast with Ajuga’s cool colored leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4754\" data-start=\"4609\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4754\" data-start=\"4611\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4634\" data-start=\"4611\"\u003eTiarella cordifolia\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e(Foamflower)\u003c\/strong\u003e - A native groundcover that will bloom alongside Ajuga and add delicate white flowers and airy texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"4869\" data-start=\"4755\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4869\" data-start=\"4757\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4796\" data-start=\"4757\"\u003eFern (e.g., Dryopteris or Athyrium)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Provide soft, feathery texture that complements Ajuga’s bold foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5003\" data-start=\"4870\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5003\" data-start=\"4872\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"4892\" data-start=\"4872\"\u003eAstilbe (Sprite)\u003c\/strong\u003e - Pink flowers that bloom in late spring will pair beautifully with the deep foliage and attract pollinators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5117\" data-start=\"5004\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5117\" data-start=\"5006\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"5043\" data-start=\"5006\"\u003eBrunnera macrophylla (Jack Frost) \u003c\/strong\u003e- Silver foliage that adds a light contrast to the dark leaves of Ajuga.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"5265\" data-start=\"5118\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"5265\" data-start=\"5120\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"5162\" data-start=\"5120\"\u003eCreeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)\u003c\/strong\u003e - A low growing groundcover with chartreuse leaves that contrasts nicely with the deep colors of Ajuga.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Cicconi Farms","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon","offer_id":45901695385761,"sku":"AJUGA CHOCOLATE CHIP","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0359\/3329\/0634\/products\/jujjkikl.jpg?v=1674675481","url":"https:\/\/cicconi-farms.myshopify.com\/products\/ajuga-chocolate-chip","provider":"Cicconi Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}