Ajuga reptans - Carpet Bugle (Chocolate Chip)

This shade-loving, low maintenance perennial is perfect as groundcover, underneath trees, placing along banks or slopes, and thrives in container gardens. It prefers well-drained but moist soil, thriving best in clay or sandy loams. Though the dark, evergreen foliage is stunning in itself, expect blue-purple flower spikes to pop up in the spring once your garden is defrosting. Ajuga is pest resistant and rabbit tolerant, making it an excellent option for shady gardens where grass can struggle to thrive. As for maintenance, little is required outside of routine watering, though gardeners may choose to mow the spent flower spikes in the summer. Ajuga will make a wonderful addition to any garden, patio, or even fairy garden, adding rich green tones to keep your garden alive year-round.