Common Name: short-stalked catmint
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Native Range: Japan
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 1.50 to 2.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: Violet-blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Rain Garden
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Fragrant
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. 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
Nepeta subsessilis typically grows in a mound to 2-3’ tall. Showy spikes of bell-shaped, deep violet-blue flowers (to 2" long) with maroon spots bloom in dense false whorls atop square, leafy stems clad with aromatic, toothed, green foliage. Long summer bloom period. Although Nepeta cataria is the true catnip which house cats love, the leaves of this species are also attractive, albeit it less so, to cats.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for certain aromatic plants that included catmint. It may honor the city of Nepete (known as Nepi today) located north of Rome in Etruria which was the ancient country located between the Arno and Tiber Rivers and was recognized, prior to the rise of Rome, as the center of the Etruscan civilization.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Rock gardens, borders, herb gardens or naturalized plantings.