What hardiness zones is Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' suitable for?

Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant'?

Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' requires Part Shade.

How much water does Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' need?

Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' has Medium water needs.

Groundcovers

Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant'

Catlin's Giant Bugleweed

Lamiaceae

Europe, southwestern Asia, northern Africa (species); cultivar of garden origin

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitSpreading

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height6-9 inches (15-23 cm)

Width12-24 inches (30-60 cm)

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 9

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant' is a vigorous, mat-forming perennial groundcover reaching 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) tall and spreading 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) wide per plant through stolons. This cultivar of A. reptans produces larger leaves and taller flower spikes than the species type. Leaves are spatulate, glossy, 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long — approximately twice the size of standard A. reptans — dark bronze-green to purple-tinged, arranged in basal rosettes. Foliage is semi-evergreen, persisting through mild winters and browning at the margins below 0°F (−18°C). Flower spikes are erect, 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) tall, densely packed with whorls of deep violet-blue, two-lipped flowers. Bloom occurs April through June, lasting about 3 weeks. Plants spread by above-ground stolons at a rate of 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) per year, forming a dense mat within 2 seasons. Stoloniferous spread can encroach on adjacent plantings and lawn areas. Crown rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) develops in humid conditions with poor air circulation, causing patches of dieback within established colonies. Slugs feed on foliage in moist, shaded sites.

Native Range

The species A. reptans is native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and northern Africa. Found in moist meadows, woodland edges, and disturbed ground from sea level to 5,000 feet (1,500 m). The cultivar 'Catlin's Giant' was selected for its enlarged foliage and vigorous growth.

Suggested Uses

Commonly used as a groundcover under deciduous trees, along shaded pathways, and in woodland gardens at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing for full coverage within 2 years. Stoloniferous spread fills gaps between stepping stones and suppresses weeds. Not suited to formal plantings where spreading must be closely managed, or to hot, humid sites with poor air circulation.

How to Identify

Distinguished from the species type by leaves 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) long, approximately twice the standard size, and taller flower spikes 8–10 inches (20–25 cm). Leaves are glossy, dark bronze-green, in basal rosettes connected by above-ground stolons. Flower spikes bear whorls of two-lipped, deep violet-blue flowers. Distinguished from A. reptans 'Chocolate Chip' by leaf size — 'Catlin's Giant' leaves are 3–4 times larger.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 9"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

purple

Foliage Colors

green

purple

Fall Foliage Colors

purple

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Spring

Flowers April through June in zones 3–9. Individual spikes last 2–3 weeks; total bloom period extends about 3 weeks. In zones 8–9, bloom begins in March. Cool springs delay bloom onset by 1–2 weeks in zones 3–4.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Deep violet-blue

Foliage Description

Dark bronze-green to purple-tinged, large, glossy, spatulate

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Full Sun

Requires 2-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaysand

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first growing season. Established plants tolerate brief dry spells but leaf margins scorch during extended drought. Crown rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) is the primary disease concern, appearing as patches of wilted, dying rosettes in humid weather; improving air circulation and reducing overhead irrigation reduces incidence. Thin overcrowded colonies by removing stolons at the perimeter every 2–3 years to maintain air flow. Slugs feed on foliage in moist, shaded conditions. No regular fertilization is needed; excess nitrogen promotes lush growth susceptible to crown rot.

Pruning

Mow or shear plantings to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) after bloom in June–July to remove spent flower spikes and refresh foliage. Edge plantings 2–3 times per growing season to control stolon spread into adjacent beds and lawn areas. No other pruning is required.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic