Nepeta subsessilis var. sensibilis
     
Common Name: nepeta
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 1.5 to 2 feet
Spread: 1 to 1.5 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Description: Blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Fragrant
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Deer
Uses: Rain Garden

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.

Garden Uses

Rock gardens, borders, herb gardens or naturalized plantings.