These are Catmints, not to be
confused with Catnip, which has much less ornamental value. They need
a well drained soil in full sun or part shade. The dark blue flowers
are produced prolifically starting in early summer. The flowering
period can be extended by severely cutting back plants after the first
flush of bloom. Our new favorite of this group is
Nepeta ‘Walker’s
Low’. It is a long blooming hybrid with good blue flower color
and gray-green foliage, lower and tighter than other varieties. It
does not require trimming as often.
Nepeta ‘Joanna Reed’
is a hybrid cross between N. sibirica and N. faassenii. It
produces bright violet-blue flowers that are held more upright on
straight stems.