Bugleweed Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant'
ABOUT
'Catlin's Giant' is a variety of bugleweed known for its striking appearance. With its broad, attractive leaves and dense foliage, this ground cover presents a lush carpet of deep green to bronze. The leaves are larger than the typical bugleweed and have a crinkled texture that adds interest to their already standout appearance. During the flowering season, it sends up spikes of vibrant blue to purplish flowers that rise above the foliage and attract pollinators such as bees. The flowers are shaped in whorls around the spike, giving a columnar effect that is visually striking against the backdrop of the foliage. This ornamental variety of bugleweed is prized for its ornate foliage and the added color provided by its floral display, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a low-maintenance but visually appealing plant to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Lamiaceae.
Synonyms
Bugleweed, Carpet Bugle, Catlin's Giant Bugleweed, Giant Bugle.
Common names
Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant'
ToxicityTo humans
Bugleweed is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant typically does not result in serious poisoning. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are always a possibility. If an unusually large amount is ingested, there may be gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or vomiting, but this is rare.
To pets
Bugleweed is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. If a pet consumes a small amount of this plant, it typically does not lead to poisoning. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large quantities could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting or diarrhea, due to the irritation of the stomach or intestines.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
Blue
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-10
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant', commonly known as Bugleweed, has attractive, glossy, bronze-purple foliage and deep blue flower spikes, making it a visually striking ground cover.
- Erosion Control: Its fast-spreading nature helps stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Bugleweed is reasonably drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond the occasional trimming back to prevent it from becoming too invasive in garden settings.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are beneficial for garden health and biodiversity.
- Sun and Shade Tolerance: It can grow in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, giving gardeners flexible placement options.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, which makes it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Speedy Ground Cover: Rapidly covers bare spots in the landscape, offering a quick way to enhance garden aesthetics.
Medical PropertiesAnti-inflammatory: Ajuga reptans has been traditionally used for its potential to reduce inflammation.
Antioxidant: The plant may contain compounds with antioxidant properties that can help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
Antiseptic: It has been historically applied to wounds to prevent infection due to its potential antiseptic qualities.
Astringent: The astringent nature of Ajuga reptans might be used to reduce bleeding and constrict tissues.
Febrifuge: The plant has been used in the past to reduce fever.
Diuretic: Ajuga reptans might promote the production of urine, aiding in the removal of waste from the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ajuga reptans 'Catlin's Giant', commonly known as Carpet Bugleweed, can be used as an indicator plant in gardens as it requires good soil to thrive; gardeners can observe its health for insight into soil conditions.
- Its dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for preventing soil erosion on slopes or in areas prone to erosion due to its mat-forming growth habit.
- Carpet Bugleweed can be utilized in sensory gardens for its textured leaves and aromatic properties when foliage is crushed or brushed against.
- The vibrant flowers can provide a natural dye for fabrics, offering hues in the blue and purple spectrum when processed correctly.
- Due to its low and dense growth, it can be grown between stepping stones or pavers to create a living path that withstands light foot traffic.
- Its robust nature allows it to be used as a living mulch under larger plants, helping to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
- Carpet Bugleweed's attractive foliage provides a colorful backdrop in terrariums or as underplanting in container gardens.
- It can be used in themed gardens to represent traditional English cottage garden plants, enhancing the aesthetic of a historical gardening style.
- Gardeners may also use this plant as a ground cover in cemeteries or memorial gardens where low maintenance is preferred.
- The dense mats of Carpet Bugleweed can provide shelter and breeding grounds for beneficial insects like ground beetles, which can aid in pest control.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bugleweed is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bugleweed is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Ajuga reptans, also known as carpet bugle, is often associated with protection due to its dense, mat-forming habit, creating a thick ground cover that can symbolize a protective blanket over the garden.
- Perseverance: The hardy nature of carpet bugle, which allows it to thrive in a variety of conditions, can symbolize determination and the ability to endure difficult circumstances.
- Healing: Historically, Ajuga species have been used in herbal medicine for their purported healing properties, which can translate to a symbolic meaning of restoration and recovery.
- Expansion: The rapid spreading characteristic of carpet bugle symbolizes expansion and growth, both physically and metaphorically, suggesting a readiness to spread out and affect the surrounding area.
WaterCatlin's Giant, commonly known as Bugleweed, should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the plant receives about 1 inch of water during this time. During hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week, whereas in cooler or rainy conditions, reduce watering to avoid oversaturation as Bugleweed does not like soggy soil. Always allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. It's best to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases.
LightBugleweed thrives in a range of lighting conditions from full sun to partial shade. However, the ideal spot for Catlin's Giant is an area that receives morning sunlight and partial shade in the afternoon, as this will provide enough light for vibrant foliage without the risk of scorching. If you live in a hotter climate, aim for more shade to protect the plant from intense afternoon sun.
TemperatureCatlin's Giant prefers temperate climates and can generally withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this Bugleweed is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy and can survive a frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing may damage the plant.
PruningBugleweed, or Catlin's Giant, benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its density and encourage fuller growth. Prune in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage from the winter. Pruning can also be done after flowering to tidy up the plant and prevent self-seeding, which is recommended to be done annually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBugleweed 'Catlin's Giant' prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of perlite or coarse sand can create an ideal environment for this ground cover plant, ensuring both adequate drainage and nutrition.
RepottingBugleweed 'Catlin's Giant' rarely needs repotting as it is a ground cover plant that spreads through stolons. It is usually not grown in containers where repotting would be necessary, but rather planted directly in the garden where it can naturalize.
Humidity & MistingBugleweed 'Catlin's Giant' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers average to high humidity. It usually thrives without the need for any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in its preferred environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water regularly, and mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleCatlin's Giant, a cultivar of the common carpet bugleweed, begins its life as a seed, which, upon germination, develops into a small seedling. As the seedling grows, it forms a rosette of large, glossy, dark purple leaves, and with enough light and water, it will soon start to spread through stolons, which are horizontal stems that allow it to propagate vegetatively. During spring and early summer, the plant reaches the flowering stage, sending up striking spikes of violet-blue flowers that attract pollinators. Following the flowering period, seeds are produced, and if they fall on suitable soil, they can germinate to create new plants. Throughout the growing season, Catlin's Giant will continue to spread, creating a dense mat of foliage that suppresses weeds and covers the ground effectively. In winter, the plant becomes dormant in colder climates, although in milder regions it may retain some of its foliage, to then resume growth with the return of warmer temperatures in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Bugleweed 'Catlin's Giant' is best propagated in the spring or early fall. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division, which involves carefully digging up an established clump and gently separating it into smaller pieces, each with a section of roots. To divide, water the plant thoroughly a day before to ensure the roots are hydrated. Using a spade or garden fork, lift the entire plant out of the ground, and shake or rinse off excess soil so that the root divisions are visible. Cut through the roots with a sharp knife or snip apart with secateurs, making sure that each division has several growth points. Replant each division promptly, spacing them approximately 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) apart to allow for growth, and water well to settle the soil around the roots. This division method offers a quick way to create more plants while also rejuvenating older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous over time.
