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Ajuga Catlin's Giant
Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant'
Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' features large, glossy bronze-green foliage and vibrant blue flower spikes, making it a standout ground cover for shaded areas or under trees. Ideal for suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture, this fast-spreading, low-maintenance plant adds year-round color and texture to garden beds, borders, and slopes.
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Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' is a bold, ground-hugging perennial prized for its large, glossy, bronze-green foliage and striking blue flower spikes. Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, this fast-growing ground cover can transform any shaded or partially sunny area into a lush, weed-suppressing mat of vibrant color and texture. The broad, scalloped leaves of 'Catlin's Giant' set it apart from other ajuga varieties, reaching up to 8-10 inches in height, with a spread of 18-24 inches. This impressive plant produces tall spikes of blue flowers in spring, adding a stunning contrast to its foliage and offering seasonal interest in garden beds, borders, and containers.
Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' is ideal for quickly filling in large areas, whether covering bare patches under trees, edging pathways, or adding ground cover in shaded garden corners. Its spreading habit allows it to form dense mats that suppress weeds while retaining soil moisture, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for gardeners seeking a reliable ground cover. This variety is also well-suited for erosion control on slopes or areas with poor soil, as it tolerates a range of soil conditions and is both drought-tolerant and adaptable once established.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of your garden. This hardy plant requires minimal care, needing only occasional watering during dry spells and light pruning to remove spent flowers and maintain its shape. With its striking foliage, vibrant blooms, and easy-care nature, Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' is the perfect choice for adding year-round beauty and functionality to your landscape.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 2 to 3 Inches, blooms up to 5 Inches |
| Mature Width: | 1 to 2 Feet |
| Classification: | Perennial groundcover |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to full shade |
| Spacing: | Plant 12 inches on center when planting as a ground-cover |
| Flower Color: | Blue spikes in late spring through early summer |
| Flowering Season: | April to July |
| Foliage: | Green with bronze hue |
| Soil Condition: | Average to wet soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
How to Care for Ajuga Catlin's Giant
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Ajuga Catlin's Giant for years to come!
How Do I Plant Ajuga Catlin's Giant?
To plant Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant,' begin by selecting a location that offers partial to full shade, as this variety thrives in low-light conditions. Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' prefers well-drained, moderately moist soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including loamy or slightly clay soils. Start by loosening the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, and mix in organic compost to improve drainage and nutrient content. Dig a hole that is wide enough to accommodate the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently firm it down to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish. For a dense ground cover, space the plants 12-18 inches apart, allowing Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' to spread and fill the area naturally over time. Regular watering during the first few weeks is essential to encourage strong root growth. Mulching around the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the plants have the best conditions for growth. Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' will quickly form a lush, weed-suppressing mat of bronze-green foliage, perfect for garden beds, shaded borders, or under trees. This low-maintenance plant requires little care once established and is ideal for filling large areas with its vibrant foliage and striking springtime blue flowers.
How do I water my Ajuga Catlin's Giant?
Watering Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' correctly is essential for ensuring its vigorous growth and lush foliage. During the first few weeks after planting, keep the soil consistently moist to help the plant establish a strong root system. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions, ensuring that the top few inches of soil remain damp but not waterlogged. For best results, water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can help prevent fungal diseases. Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' thrives in well-drained soil, so make sure to avoid standing water or soggy conditions that could lead to root rot. Once established, Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' becomes more drought-tolerant but still benefits from regular watering during dry spells, especially in hot weather. In shaded areas or under trees, the soil may retain moisture longer, so adjust your watering schedule accordingly to avoid overwatering. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce the frequency of watering. Keeping the soil consistently moist will encourage the plant’s large, bronze-green foliage to stay vibrant, while also supporting healthy root development and rapid spreading as a ground cover.
How do I Fertilize my Ajuga Catlin's Giant?
To fertilize Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant', start by applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, in early spring when new growth begins to emerge. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the plant, avoiding direct contact with the crown to prevent burning. Water the area thoroughly after applying the fertilizer to help the nutrients soak into the soil and reach the roots. This initial spring feeding provides the essential nutrients needed to support the plant’s lush bronze-green foliage and vibrant blue flower spikes, promoting healthy and vigorous growth. In addition to spring fertilizing, you can supplement Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, during the growing season. This will improve soil fertility and structure, providing a slow-release source of nutrients throughout the year. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as Ajuga is a fast-spreading plant, and too much fertilizer can cause excessive growth, leading to overcrowding. A light annual feeding will be enough to keep your Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' healthy, vibrant, and spreading effectively as a ground cover.
How do I prune my Ajuga Catlin's Giant?
Pruning Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' is essential for maintaining its tidy appearance and promoting healthy growth. After the plant’s blooming period in late spring or early summer, trim back the spent flower spikes to enhance the plant’s overall look and prevent self-seeding. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the flower stalks back to the base of the plant. This light pruning encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing lush, bronze-green foliage rather than seed production, ensuring that the ground cover stays dense and attractive throughout the growing season. Additionally, you can prune any damaged, overgrown, or discolored foliage throughout the year to maintain the plant’s neat appearance. If Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' begins to spread too aggressively or encroach on other plants, you can trim back the outer edges to control its growth. In early spring, it’s beneficial to prune away any winter-damaged leaves to make room for fresh, healthy growth. Regular pruning will keep Ajuga 'Catlin's Giant' vibrant and manageable, allowing it to serve as a stunning ground cover with its large, bold foliage and striking flower spikes.
