Common Name: catmint
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 2.50 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: Blue
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Air Pollution
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Thrives in dry soils and is tolerant of drought. Site plants in full sun in northern areas. Plants are somewhat intolerant of the heat and humidity of the deep South where they generally appreciate some light afternoon shade. Shear flower spikes after initial flowering to promote continued bloom. Taller plants may need some support. Propagate by division.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Nepeta is a genus which contains about 250 species of perennials plus a few annuals, all of which are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Plants are usually aromatic, and mostly feature sharply toothed or deeply cut leaves and whorls of blue, lavender or white flowers in elongated spikes or panicles.
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.
'Blue Dragon' is a hybrid catmint selection that features large, blue flowers on upright stems. Mature plants will reach up to 3' tall and spread to fill a 2.5' area. The ovate, aromatic, oppositely arranged foliage will reach up to 4.75" long and 2.75" wide. The terminal inflorescences can reach up to 12" long and bear numerous 1.5" long, blue flowers from summer into early fall. This plant is protected by patent number PP22334.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot may develop in overly moist soils. Watch for powdery mildew. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Best grown in mass plantings. Border fronts or cottage gardens. Edging along paths. Good for dry areas. Containers.