Nepeta manchuriensis Manchu Blue - Catnip

Nepeta manchuriensis Manchu Blue is a large perennial, vigorous and robust, with a bushy habit forming a beautiful clump. It displays a beautiful velvety and aromatic foliage, with wide leaves of a beautiful fresh green. From May to July, it showcases long spikes bearing large bluish-purple flowers.

Nepetas, also known as Catnip, Catmint or even Catnip Mint, belong to the Lamiaceae family. The species Nepeta manchuriensis is native to Manchuria and Siberia. The Manchu Blue variety is a large herbaceous perennial, vigorous and robust, with a bushy and dense habit, measuring 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39in) in height with a width of 60 cm (24in). This cultivar, with fast growth, has deciduous aromatic foliage consisting of wide, velvety, ovate, dentate, bright green leaves. From May to July, it showcases numerous flowering stems bearing large bluish-purple flowers. Very floriferous and attractive to pollinating insects, it is highly ornamental.

Nepetas are very easy and trouble-free perennials, that are robust and fast-growing. They are essential in the garden for their bushy form, aromatic foliage, and relentless flowering throughout the summer. This catmint, with its long-lasting bluish-purple flowering, is a highly ornamental plant that will be valuable in the garden, whether planted in full sun or partial shade, in a rockery, on a slope, among a perennial border, or even in a scree garden. It is well suited for container cultivation on a patio or balcony. Perfectly hardy, this species appreciates sunny locations and well-drained soil. Its long flowering stems make it an excellent cut flower for creating beautiful country bouquets. The bluish-purple colour of its flowers will beautifully complement the yellow or orange flowers of summer perennials such as Daylilies, Kniphofias, and Rudbeckias, creating stunning contrasts. It will also undoubtedly and beautifully blend with pastel or darker coloured perennials, such as certain Phlox, purple Rudbeckias, Oriental Poppies, Japanese Anemones, and Knautias. It will also have a striking effect at the base of shrub and climbing roses, where it will conceal the often bare and unsightly base.