General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Intolerant of wet soils. Tolerates dry soils, but is somewhat intolerant of the heat and humidity of the deep South and appreciates some afternoon shade in hot climates. Shear flower spikes after initial flowering to promote continued bloom. Can be rather aggressive, particularly if grown in rich, moist soils. One of the most cold hardy of the catmints.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This compact catmint cultivar is smaller than the species, typically growing to 1.5' tall. Features loose whorls of small, abundant, two-lipped, trumpet-shaped, medium to deep violet-blue flowers in racemes atop square, leafy stems with oval, aromatic, deep green foliage. Blooms in spring to early summer. Although Nepeta cataria is the true catnip which drives house cats ecstatic, the leaves of this hybrid catmint are also attractive, albeit less enticing, to cats. This cultivar is sometimes sold as 'Blue Beauty'.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Rock gardens, borders, herb gardens or naturalized plantings.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
More photos: