The unusually narrow foliage is dark green, overlaid with chocolate-brown in during the cooler months and forming a very low mound. Short spikes of showy blue flowers appear in late spring. Not as quick to spread as many of the larger selections, this is useful as a groundcover or edging plant in any shady area with reasonably moist soil. Nice in containers and tubs. Combines beautifully with all kinds of spring-flowering bulbs. Plants may be easily divided in spring or early fall. Seems to be more disease-resistant than many of the older selections on the market. Clip or mow off flower stems after blooming. Sometimes listed as Ajuga × tenorii ‘Valfredda’. Was introduced into North America under the name Chocolate Chip.
During the hot spring and summer months, you may need to water Bugleweed deeply about once a week. Keep in mind this is an easily naturalized plant which does best when treated as a wildflower.In fall and winter, you may need to water deeply about once a month, depending on your climate.
All members of this family do well in lighting conditions ranging from partial shade to full sun.For the best foliage colors, a partial sun setting providing between four and six hours of sunlight daily is best.
Generally speaking, Bugle Herb does not need to be fertilized unless the soil is extremely poor. Use a week solution of liquid fertilizer. It’s best to fertilize in the morning hours and to water deeply immediately after fertilizing.
Bugleweed does well in a wide range of temperatures, but in very hot, humid areas, it requires good air circulation to prevent crown rot.
