Nepeta racemosa Superba - Catnip

Nepeta racemosa Superba is a perennial forming a cushion of small aromatic grey leaves covered with lavender blue flowers for a good part of the summer.

Also known as Catmint or Catnip, Nepeta Superba has deciduous, narrow, ovate, rough, undulate, silver-grey leaves, similar in colour to lavender. From June to September, short stems, 35cm (14in) in height bear lavender blue bilabiate flowers (with 2 lips), 1cm (1in) in diameter, in whorled spikes. Highly melliferous, they attract bees and butterflies.

Easy to grow, Nepeta racemosa Superba likes a light, damp, rich and well-drained soil in a sunny or semi-shaded position. It tolerates dry, poor and rocky soils, but with a less significant flowering. In heavy soils, add coarse sand and gravel.

Nepeta racemosa superba is used as a border plant, in rock gardens or in containers. Combine it with roses for a romantic touch or with yellow-flowered perennials for a more contrasting effect.

Fun fact: Catnip is said to act as a sort of drug on some cats. They would start by looking up and moving their heads before rubbing against the plant for several minutes. The pleasurable reaction no longer occurs after 15 minutes. But don't worry, the plant remains harmless to them.