True to her name, Caitlin's Giant is much larger than other Ajuga (commonly called Bugleweed) and she does not disappoint. If you are looking for a low-maintenance, rapidly spreading ground cover that promises constant pops of colorful foliage and beautiful flowers that beckon butterflies, you'll want to take a good look at Caitlin's Giant.

She tends toward clumping until her root system is fully established at which point she takes off spreading and covering your garden with low rosettes of large, variegated purple-bronze foliage. Arriving in early spring, her deep blue-purple flower spikes climb between 8-10 inches and continue their show into early summer.

Though Caitlin's Giant loves full shade, given an average, medium wet, well-drained soil, and at least a bit of shade in southern zones, Caitlin will thrive. And the bottom line is that gardeners just can't resist the constant color of her large foliage.

Specifications:

If desired, in order to rejuvenate the foliage, cut it back to the ground after flowering. Mow large areas of bugleweed with a lawn mower; however, in small patches, trim plants back with pruning shears or a weed trimmer. Does well in full shade, but its best foliage color is in part-sun locations (at least 3-4 hours of sun per day). Tolerates full sun in southern zones with ample moisture. Prefers loamy, well-drained soil but tolerates moderately dry ones. Avoid situations where it is wet for extended periods.

Do not plant Ajuga too deep, the very top of the root is best left above soil level. Do not overwater, let the top 2" of soil dry out before watering. Do not let it stay bone dry for extended periods, but Ajuga likes air to reach their roots and too much water hampers that. In areas where spreading is not desired, trim back the runners before they take root or prune ruthlessly once a year.Requires good drainage.