Nepeta Neptune - Catnip

Nepeta 'Neptune' is a new compact and floriferous variety with veined leaves, suited to small spaces and containers. It forms a small bushy plant with aromatic foliage that is submerged by generous, large flower spikes with a vivid blue colour that is almost ultramarine. It is a small plant, but it will make a sensation from summer to autumn when planted en masse along the edge of a flower bed, or on the terrace in containers. It is also a lovely companion for old-fashioned roses and English roses! 

Nepetas belong to the family of Lamiaceae or Labiates, which includes countless strongly aromatic species such as thyme, sage, and lavender. 'Neptune' is a beautiful selection of N. nervosa, introduced in 2017 by a Dutch breeder.  Its ancestor is a hardy, fast-growing herbaceous perennial plant with dense growth, native to the Kashmir province.

'Neptune' has is very compact and exceptionally floriferous. It will not exceed 30 cm (12in) in all directions when mature. Its foliage is slightly aromatic due to the essential oils it contains. Its triangular, toothed, and deeply veined, matte dark green leaves, have a wrinkled appearance. Flowering extends from July to October, if faded flowers are regularly removed, with tall spikes, densely filled with small two-lipped, slightly purplish blue flowers that attract many pollinating insects. The leaves are prized by tea enthusiasts, and attractive to cats.

The extraordinary generosity of its flowering and its compact habit make Nepeta 'Neptune' a must-have plant for natural or romantic gardens and easy to grow in flowerpots. It is superb in rock gardens and sunny borders, where it forms a mist of very blue flowers all summer. Nepeta nervosa is a remarkable, easy-to-care-for plant which will fit well in flower beds at the base of roses such as pink 'Buff Beauty' or orange-pink 'Westerland', to conceal their untidy base. You can also plant it with coreopsis, garden valerians, or red shrubby salvias.