Nepeta grandiflora Wild Cat - Catnip

Nepeta grandiflora 'Wild Cat', also known as Giant Catnip, is a new cultivar that has won awards in the United States. It has a bushy, upright and branched habit, with aromatic, ovate, wide, toothed, vibrant green leaves, with a profusion of mauve-lavender mixed with rose-purple flowers, for four months. It is a tall, very hardy perennial, with rapid growth which can be used in the same way as lavender, as a border plant, in flower beds, and in large containers. It thrives in well-drained soil and sunny exposure.

Nepetas belong to the Lamiaceae or Labiatae family. 'Wild Cat' is a selection of N. grandiflora originating from the Caucasus. Very similar in appearance to 'Six Hills Giant', the flower whorls are tighter and a deeper pink. This perennial forms a dense and bushy clump, 80 cm (32in) high, with a minimum spread of 50 cm (20in), reaching its mature size within a year. It flowers from June to September. The mauve-lavender mixed with rose-purple, nectar-rich flowers, 3 cm (1in) long and arranged in spikes, attract a large number of bees and butterflies. The sage-like leaves are lush, vibrant green, and highly aromatic when crushed, ovate, scalloped, slightly hairy, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) long. It is one of the tallest and most floriferous varieties and tolerates occasional drought. The leaves are attractive to cats.

Nepeta grandiflora 'Wild Cat' is a remarkable, easy to grow plant that will look great in flower beds at the base of yellow roses like 'Charles Darwin' or rose-orange roses like 'Westerland', where it can cover their sometimes unsightly base. In borders, it pairs well with poppies, valerians, and 'Canon Went' toadflax, behind carnations or perennial geraniums, supported by a row of flowering bushes such as abelias, kolkwizias, or brooms (cytisus scoparius). It also works well as large ground cover on slopes, alongside gauras and scabious. It needs space and sunlight to thrive.

Fun fact: Catnip acts as a sort of drug on certain cats. They rub against the plant for several minutes and feel happy for up to 2 hours. But don't worry, it is harmless.