The variegated foliage of Ajuga reptans seems to show endless variations and ‘Toffee Chip’ is another excellent one. The leaves have gold to cream margins and centers of brown and kaki as they emerge in spring. As the season progresses the centers change to sage green while the margins maintain there complementary color. Dark blue flowers appear in late spring to early summer. Like other varieties of A. reptans, plants spread by rhizomes once established but can be stopped dead in their tracts by root rot in poorly drained soil. ‘Toffe Chip’ makes an excellent groundcover and can even be mowed occassionally.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Small dark blue flowers are borne on 8” spikes in late spring and early summer.
Foliage: Variegated leaves with gold to cream margins and centers of brown and kaki that change to sage green.
Size: 2” H x 12” W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Humus rich, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 5-9
Care: Remove non-variegated leaves; cut foliage to ground to rejuvenate when necessary; thin plants every three years to discourage root rot.
Pests and Diseases: Root rot in poorly drained soil; mildew; cucumber mosaic virus
Propagation: Division in spring or fall
Companion plants: Lirope spicata, Astilbe spp., crainsbill (Geranium spp.), Siberian bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla).
Karen Meyers