White Nepeta racemosa Seeds - Catmint

Nepeta racemosa 'Blanc' is a selection of catmint with white flowers, a small aromatic plant also known by its evocative name, Catnip. This perennial forms a low, bushy, and branched shrub with small, fragrant, greyish-green leaves, which blooms for almost four months. It is a nectar-rich variety well adapted to drought. For northern gardens, it can be used in a similar way to lavender, but it is easier to cultivate. Ideal for accompanying roses, it also works well in rock gardens or sunny borders, in well-drained soil.

Nepeta racemosa 'Blanc' belongs to the Lamiaceae family, just like sage, mint, 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 tuft, forming a carpet, 30 cm in height 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, grouped in whorls on spikes, are white and measure 3 cm in length. They are highly nectar-rich, attracting lots of bees and butterflies. The foliage is fuzzy, matte green with grey highlights and the leaves are very 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 'Blanc' is an excellent garden plant, easy to grow, and will find a place in flower beds, especially at the base of roses. This small and friendly perennial will hide their sometimes bare base while complementing their colours. In flower borders, it pairs well in the front row with Lamb's Ears, valerian, or hardy geraniums (G.cinereum, G.sanguineum). In the back, you can plant 'Canon Went' toadflax, Buenos Aires verbena, or gauras... It also works well as ground cover on slopes and in rock gardens, alongside scabious, scutellarias, and cotton lavenders. It is also lovely cascading over 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.