Meehania urticifolia Japanblau

Meehania urticifolia 'Japanblau', formerly known as Cedronella urticifolia, Dracocephalum sinense, or Dracocephalum urticifolium, is a vigorous small perennial with stolons that quickly forms a beautiful ground cover. This 'Japanblau' variety is related to dead nettles. It forms a thick carpet of leaves that persists if the winter is not too harsh. It comes to life in spring with an abundance of small cobalt-blue flowers that are pleasantly scented. This hardy and undemanding plant can be used like ivy in all shaded or semi-shaded areas of the garden. Stunning as a border plant, in a moist rockery, or on the edge of a woodland.

Meehania urticifolia 'Japanblau' is a horticultural selection. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, just like mint, sage, and dead nettles. The species is a hardy perennial native to high-altitude forests in China, Japan, Korea, and eastern Russia. The plant develops stoloniferous stems that root at ground level, as well as upright stems that bear leaves. It grows quite rapidly, reaching about 30cm (12in) in height and spreading indefinitely. The foliage is evergreen in mild winters. It consists of small heart-shaped, toothed, and hairy leaves, measuring 3 to 6cm (1 to 2in) in length. The leaves are a fairly light green colour. Flowering occurs in May-June. Short, upright flower stalks emerge from the leaf axils, each bearing 3 to 12 two-lipped flowers. They are cobalt-blue and white, dotted and streaked with mauve. The flowers are arranged in erect spikes. They emit a delicate, pungent, and spicy fragrance. They are visited by pollinating insects.

Meehania urticifolia 'Japanblau' prefers moist to damp soils, but it can tolerate moderate summer drought, especially if planted away from intense sunlight. As a ground cover, it adds charm and requires little maintenance when planted along a pathway, on a bank, in a slightly damp rockery, or under flowering shrubs. To accompany it, consider other shade perennials such as epimediums, corydalis, Lamium galeobdolon (which resembles it), Geranium macrorrhizum, Tiarella cordifolia, and Tellima grandiflora.