Nepeta (Catmint)

Nepeta ‘Kitten Around’

Billowy mounds of aromatic, blue flowers characterize Nepeta, better known as “Catmint”. This is a valued perennial for edging, borders, and rockeries.

Catmints are easy to grow and do well in average, sandy or loamy soil as long as they are well-drained. They will bloom for 4-6 weeks in early summer. After the blooms fade, shear back the plants by half and you should get another bloom cycle later in the summer.

Browsing the perennial isles in the greenhouse finds a whopping selection of at least eight different varieties for sale. In general, they may appear very similar but there are subtle differences in color and size.

Varieties

‘Nova Blue’ – This selection from Terra Nova Nurseries is described as “clean and crisp” with a tidy habit. It is also noted for an earlier bloom time.

‘Junior Walker’ – A sterile dwarf form of the popular ‘Walker’s Low’ has a more compact form with gray-green leaves and soft lavender flowers.

‘Blue Wonder’ – A dwarf form growing to 18″ x 36″ with dark blue flowers.

‘Kitten Around’ – features bright blue flowers on a compact, rounded plant about 14″ high and 24″ wide.

‘Felix’ – 12-18″ tall x 1-2′ wide with a rich shade of mauve and blue.

‘Little Titch’ – Very small variety growing to 12″ or less and a good choice for rock gardens and tight spaces.

‘Purrsian Blue’ – Compact (18″ high) with vivid blue or purple flowers.

‘Blue Lagoon’ – A newer variety advertised as growing to only 4″ tall with bright blue flowers.

‘Litty Trudy’ – Finely textured foliage on a compact 10″ plant.