Nepeta X Faassenii (Catmint)

£7.99

Position: full sun or partial shade
Soil: moist, well-drained soil
Rate of growth: average
Flowering period: June to September
Hardiness: fully hardy
A dwarf catmint with slender spikes of lavender-blue summer flowers and aromatic, sage-green leaves. This clump-forming perennial will form open drifts of hazy blue flowers for weeks over the summer months, and makes a lovely informal edging plant for paths and borders. When it's trodden underfoot the cascading foliage releases an intoxicating aroma. Fresh or dried, the leaves make a refreshing and therapeutic tea which is high in Vitamin C and has traditionally been used to treat such conditions as nervousness, insomnia, hyperactivity, colds and fevers. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, and of course, the foliage to cats, who will go mad for it. To prevent cats from flattening the plant, insert several twiggy sticks into the centre.Garden care: Cut back after flowering has finished to keep the plant compact. Lift and divide large clumps in spring, replanting divided specimens with lots of well-rotted organic matter. If powdery mildew becomes a problem prune out the affected areas.

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