Larger than other Ajugas, ’Catlin’s Giant’ is a dense, rapidly spreading ground cover which features low rosettes of large, variegated purple-bronze foliage and profuse deep blue-purple flowers on spikes up to 8-10" tall in early spring.

The rich foliage and spring flowers make this a popular choice for replacing turf grass, especially under trees (where mowing over roots can be dangerous). Occasional foot traffic is tolerated.

An excellent groundcover for shady areas where grass will not grow. May also be grown on banks or slopes, under trees or under/around shrubs. This variety tends to clump until established, then it will spread to form a dense, weed-smothering semi-evergreen to evergreen groundcover. Grow in average, medium wet, well-drained soil, prefers some shade in southern zones. Plants may be mowed on high setting after blooming in order to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy the appearance of the planting.

Ajuga reptans is noted for the striking range of foliage colors and textures. In mass plantings, the flower effect can be very dramatic. A superb plant for creating weed-suppressing groundcover which no garden should be without. Widely used for under planting roses for its attractive foliage and spring flower spikes. One of the few groundcovers that will grow under walnut trees.

If desired, cut foliage back to the ground after flowering to rejuvenate the foliage. Mow large areas of bugleweed with a lawn mower; however, in small patches of Ajuga, trim plants back with pruning shears or weed trimmer. Where not wanted, trim back the runners before they take root.

Keep an eye out for reversion in variegated cultivars like this particular plant; occasionally a shoot will emerge that is all green (it is reverting back to the original species.) If this happens, weed it out since it is much more vigorous and will eventually take over the clump, smothering the slower growing variegated plants.