Nepeta racemosa Bleu - seeds

Nepeta racemosa 'Blue' is a selection of catmint with bluer flowers, a small aromatic plant also known by its evocative name, catnip. This perennial forms a low, bushy, and branched shrub with small, oval, fragrant, greyish green leaves. It transforms into clusters of nectar-rich flowers throughout the summer, lasting for four months. It is a plant well adapted to drought. For northern gardens, its use is comparable to lavender but easier. It is an ideal companion for roses, both old-fashioned and modern, and an excellent plant for rock gardens or sunny borders.

Nepeta racemosa 'Blue' belongs to the Lamiaceae family, just like sages, mints, and thyme among other aromatic plants. The species is native to the Caucasus and northern Iran, specifically regions with dry and hot summers and cold and humid winters. This perennial forms a dense and spreading cushion-like tuft from spring, reaching a height of 30 cm with a minimum spread of 50 cm, quickly reaching its adult size. The flowering period extends from June to September-October, with a pause in July-August in dry and hot climates. The flowers, clustered in whorls on spikes, are a bright blue with a hint of mauve and measure 3 cm in length. They are highly nectar-rich and they attract a large number of bees and butterflies. The foliage is a velvety, matte green with grey reflections, and the leaves are highly aromatic when crushed. They are ovate, crinkled, slightly hairy, and measure 2 to 3 cm in length. It is one of the most adaptable Nepeta species, tolerating drought and a wide range of well-drained soils. Its leaves are also attractive to cats.

Nepeta racemosa 'Blue' is a remarkable and easy-to-grow garden plant that will find its place in flower beds, particularly at the base of roses. Yellow roses like 'Buff Beauty' or rose-orange roses like 'Westerland', which can be difficult to pair with other plants, will find in this Nepeta a good companion that will cover their sometimes bare base while enhancing their colours. In flower beds, it pairs well in the front row with Stachys, garden valerians, or hardy geraniums for rock gardens (G. cinereum, G. sanguineum). In the back, it can be planted with 'Canon Went' toadflax, Buenos Aires verbena, gauras... It is also suitable as a ground cover on slopes and in rock gardens, accompanied by scabious, skullcaps, and Santolines. It is also attractive when planted above low walls and it can be grown in pots.

Fun fact: Catnip acts as a sort of drug on some cats. They react by looking up and moving their heads before rubbing against the plant for several minutes. But don't worry, it remains harmless to our feline friends.