Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’ (Carpet Bugle)

Award-winning Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’ (Carpet Bugle) is an evergreen perennial prized for its large, glossy purplish-bronze leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm), which quickly form a dense mat of attractive rosettes. Rising from the center of the rosettes are whorls of tiny blue-violet flowers arranged on spikes, 12 in. tall (30 cm), which create a striking display when in full bloom, from mid to late spring. Ajuga reptans is valued as a wonderful spreader making a colorful groundcover, which will thrive in shady areas where grass has difficulty growing.

• Gardeners treasure the showy foliage of Ajuga reptans and its carpet habit more than its flowers. Ground-hugging, this perennial plant grows up to 6-12 inches tall (15-30 cm) and 10-14 in. wide (25-30 cm) and remains attractive most of the year.
• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• A part shade to full shade lover, it thrives in average, medium, well-drained soils and tolerates almost any soils provided they are moist and humusy. Will tolerate full sun if constant moisture is provided.
• Provide good air circulation to avoid crown root problems. This plant is rabbit and deer resistant!
• A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: groundcovers, on banks or slopes, under trees or shrubs. It is also great in containers!
• Propagate by division, separating rooted stems.
• Generally pest free. Watch for powdery mildews
• May be mowed after flowering to eliminate the spent flower spikes and clean up the planting.
• Ajuga reptans species is native to Europe. It is potentially invasive and may form dense evergreen mats that crowd out native vegetation.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.