Catlins Giant Carpet Bugle (Ajuga reptans 'Catlins Giant') | Large-Leaf Ground Cover

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Catlins Giant Carpet Bugle

Ajuga reptans ‘Catlins Giant’

A vigorous ground cover with exceptionally large, glossy bronze-green leaves and deep blue spring flowers.

$16.90

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Description

Ajuga reptans 'Catlins Giant' is a vigorous, evergreen ground cover prized for its exceptionally large, glossy, bronze-green to purple-tinged leaves and dense, spreading habit. This robust cultivar forms a thick, fast-growing mat of oversized, oval, ruffled foliage that remains attractive year-round, creating an effective, weed-suppressing carpet in challenging garden areas. In mid to late spring, it produces short, erect spikes of small, two-lipped, tubular, deep blue to violet-blue flowers that rise just above the foliage, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. With excellent tolerance for a wide range of conditions, including shade, poor soils, and light foot traffic, it is an outstanding choice for ground cover, slopes, underplanting shrubs, woodland gardens, and between stepping stones.

Quick Facts

Foliage & Flowers: Exceptionally large, oval, glossy, bronze-green to purple-tinged, ruffled leaves; short spikes of small, two-lipped, tubular, deep blue to violet-blue flowers in mid to late spring .
Mature Height: 4-6 inches; flower spikes to 6-8 inches
Mature Spread: 18-30 inches (spreading by runners)
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 4-9
Light Requirement: Full sun to full shade (best foliage color in sun)
Core Benefits: Extra-large glossy bronze-purple leaves, fast-spreading ground cover, evergreen, tolerates shade and light foot traffic, attracts pollinators.
Best Uses: Ground cover, slopes, underplanting shrubs, woodland gardens, between stepping stones, containers.

Faqs

Q: How is 'Catlins Giant' different from regular Ajuga?
A: It is distinguished by its exceptionally large leaves (much larger than the species) and vigorous growth habit, providing faster coverage and more dramatic foliage presence.

Q: How fast does it spread?
A: It is a fast spreader, quickly forming a dense mat via runners. Space plants 12-18 inches apart for full coverage within one season.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It tolerates full sun to full shade. Foliage color is best in sun, but it performs well in shade where many other ground covers struggle.

Q: Does it stay evergreen?
A: Yes, it is evergreen in mild climates, retaining its glossy purple-tinged leaves year-round. In colder zones, it may die back but reliably returns in spring.

Q: Can it tolerate foot traffic?
A: It can tolerate light, occasional foot traffic, making it suitable for planting between stepping stones or as a lawn alternative in low-traffic areas.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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