Product Description
Ajuga reptans 'Catlins Giant' - (4) 1-gallons
a/k/a Giant Carpet Bugle, Carpenter's Herb, Comfrey, Creeping Bugleweed, Catlin's Carpet Bugle, Sicklewort.
Zone (3)4 to 9,
Sun or shade.
Mature foliage height 5 to 7 inch, maybe 10 inches. Larger than other Ajugas.
fast growing semi-evergreen groundcover.
Large, bronze-green foliage and deep blue flowers spikes in late spring. Evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage forms dense, carpet-like, low-growing mat.
Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' is a vigorous and eye-catching groundcover that brings bold texture and color to gardens. It is a larger variety of the common Bugleweed, and here is what makes it stand out:
Impressive Features:
- Giant Foliage: As the name suggests, 'Catlin's Giant' boasts significantly larger leaves than other Ajuga varieties. These leaves can grow up to 6 inches long and have a glossy, purplish-bronze color that adds a dramatic touch to shady areas.
- Showy Flower Spikes: In mid to late spring, 'Catlin's Giant' produces tall flower spikes that can reach up to 12 inches in height. The spikes are adorned with whorls of small, blue-violet flowers, creating a beautiful contrast with the foliage.
- Vigorous Growth: This Ajuga is a vigorous grower and spreader, quickly forming a dense mat of attractive foliage that can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
Growing Conditions:
- Shade Tolerance: 'Catlin's Giant' thrives in partial to full shade. It is an excellent choice for brightening up those dark corners of the garden where other plants might struggle.
- Adaptable to Soil: It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as they are well-drained.
- Moist Soil: While it prefers moist soil, it can tolerate some dryness once established.
Care and Maintenance:
- Low Maintenance: 'Catlin's Giant' is a very low-maintenance plant. Once established, it requires minimal care.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help it establish its roots. After that, it can tolerate some dryness.
- Fertilizing: Generally, it does not require regular fertilization, but a light feeding in spring can be beneficial.
- Controlling Spread: Due to its vigorous growth, you may need to control its spread by dividing it every few years or removing unwanted runners.
Uses in the Garden:
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit makes it an excellent groundcover for shady areas. It can help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion.
- Edging: It can be used to edge pathways, borders, or garden beds, adding a bold and colorful border.
- Rock Gardens: It is also well-suited for rock gardens, where it can fill in spaces between stones and add texture and interest.
- Underplanting: 'Catlin's Giant' is a great choice for underplanting larger shrubs or trees, as it can tolerate some shade and competition.
Benefits:
- Shade Tolerance: Its ability to thrive in shade makes it a valuable plant for brightening up dark areas of the garden.
- Low-Maintenance: Its minimal care requirements make it an ideal plant for busy gardeners.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid Ajuga, so it is a good choice for gardens where these animals are a problem.
- Attractive Foliage: The large, glossy, purplish-bronze foliage provides year-round interest, even when the plant is not in bloom.
If you are looking for a tough, beautiful, and low-maintenance groundcover with a bold presence, Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' is an excellent choice! Its giant foliage, showy flower spikes, and adaptability make it a standout in any landscape.
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants may be trimmed for shipping,
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
