Ajuga Reptans 'Catlins Giant'
Delivered via specialist nursery freight — plants travel upright in enclosed trucks, not general couriers. Learn more
Catlin's Giant Bugleweed / Bugleweed / Blue Bugle / Carpetweed
Botanical Name: Ajuga reptans 'Catlins Giant'
Family: Lamiaceae
Origin: Europe & Western Asia (cultivar selection)
Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen groundcover perennial
Overview
A bold bugleweed with extra-large, glossy bronze-green leaves that knit into a dense, weed-smothering mat. In spring, short spikes of rich blue flowers rise above the foliage and attract pollinators. Thrives in part shade with moisture-retentive, well-drained soil—ideal for underplanting, path edging, between pavers and mass groundcover in SA gardens.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 0.1–0.2 m H × 0.6–1.0 m W (spreading by runners)
- Growth Rate: 20-40 (spread) cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Large, glossy bronze-green leaves; can show burgundy/purple tints in cooler weather
-
Flowers: Blue flower spikes in spring (sometimes a light repeat in early summer)
- Seasonal Interest: Evergreen carpet; vivid blue spring bloom
- Wildlife Value: Nectar for bees and other pollinators
- Tolerance: Frost hardy; heat tolerant with some shade and moisture; handles light foot traffic;
- Planting Density: Mass groundcover: 6–9 plants/m² for quick coverage (or 4–6/m² for budget/slow knit); Edging/between pavers: 30–40 cm apart
- Pet Friendly: Non-toxic/pet-friendly (any plant material may cause mild tummy upset if eaten)
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Part shade to shade (morning sun OK; protect from hot afternoon sun in SA)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich soils
- Water Needs: Keep evenly moist while establishing; established: deep soak weekly in summer (more in heatwaves), rarely in winter unless dry
- Maintenance: Shear off spent flower spikes; edge/trim runners to contain; divide congested clumps every 2–3 years
- Lifespan: 5–10+ years (long-lived clumps; easy to renew by division)
- Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA; sheltered coastal sites OK
- Soil pH: Neutral (adaptable: slightly acidic–slightly alkaline)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Mass groundcover under trees/shrubs
- Edging paths and beds
- Between stepping stones
- Shade gardens and container underplanting (not a privacy hedge)
Why You Will Love It
Big, glossy leaves that smother weeds and a cheerful blue spring display—a low-care, shade-tolerant groundcover that looks lush year-round.