General Culture:
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Nepeta subsessilis is native to moist mountain slopes in Japan. Species plants perform best in cool, moist soils and generally lack the drought tolerance typical of most other nepetas. In northern areas, site plants in full sun. In the deep South, site plants in areas with some light afternoon shade. Plants may be cut back before first flowering to promote more compact size. Shear flower spikes after initial flowering to promote continued bloom.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
This compact catmint variety features showy spikes of trumpet-shaped, 2" long, true blue flowers in dense false whorls atop square, leafy stems with aromatic, toothed, green foliage. Plants typically grow in a mound to 12-15" tall. Long summer bloom period. Although Nepeta cataria is the true catnip which house cats love, the leaves of this variety are also attractive, albeit less so, to cats.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses:
Rock gardens, borders, herb gardens or naturalized plantings.
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Garden, 2001-2010
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