Ajuga Catlins Giant

Description

Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’ – bugle

Botanical name: Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’
Common names: Bugle
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Plant type: Evergreen perennial groundcover
Habit: Low, creeping, mat-forming, spreading by runners
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 15–20cm tall (to 25cm in flower) × spreading
Foliage: Large, glossy, bronze-purple scalloped leaves, bigger than most bugles; evergreen
Flowers: Tall, showy spikes of deep blue flowers in spring (April–June)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Full sun to partial shade (best leaf colour in sun)
Soil: Moist but well-drained; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–9
Exposure: Sheltered or open; tolerant
Native range: Garden form; the species is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Ajuga ‘Catlin’s Giant’ is a bold evergreen groundcover with large glossy bronze-purple leaves and tall deep blue flower spikes in spring. Superb for weed-suppressing carpets and foliage contrast in sun or shade.

GardenAdvice notes

A larger, bolder bugle, ‘Catlin’s Giant’ has notably big, glossy bronze-purple scalloped leaves and taller, showier spikes of deep blue spring flowers than most. Evergreen and weed-suppressing, spreading steadily by runners, it makes superb dramatic groundcover and foliage contrast, thriving in sun or partial shade and looking good all year.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade — the bronze leaf colour is richest in sun, though it tolerates shade well. It spreads by runners to form a carpet, so allow room or use as groundcover. Space about 30cm apart. Keep moist while establishing.

Care & maintenance

Low-maintenance. Remove spent flower spikes after flowering. It spreads by runners; detach and remove or replant these to control or increase it. Water in dry spells, as it can suffer in prolonged drought. Tidy tatty foliage in spring. An easy, weed-suppressing groundcover.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide, or detach rooted runners, in spring or autumn — very easy.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. It can suffer crown rot in heavy, wet soil, or scorch in hot, dry sun; moist but well-drained soil suits it best. Otherwise easy and vigorous.

Uses in the garden

Superb as bold groundcover in borders, under shrubs and at the front of beds, for edging, weed suppression and foliage contrast, where its large bronze leaves and tall blue flower spikes stand out.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinating insects, and the dense evergreen carpet provides ground-level cover for insects and small creatures.

Toxicity & safety

Bugle is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

‘Catlin’s Giant’ is the one to choose when you want bugle with more presence — big glossy bronze leaves and tall blue flower spikes that make a real statement as groundcover or edging. Give it a sunny spot for the richest leaf colour, keep it reasonably moist, and simply pull out or replant the runners to control it or make more free plants.

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