Nepeta gigantea

About

Nepeta gigantea is a member of the genus Nepeta in the mint family and produces aromatic foliage with terminal spikes of tubular flowers. Flowering runs from June to September. Leaves are typically green to grey-green and carried opposite along the stems. The flowers may occur in shades typical of Nepeta species, including lavender and lilac tones.

About the genus

Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The genus name, from Latin nepeta (“catnip”), is reportedly in reference to Nepete, an ancient Etruscan city. There are 295 accepted species.

Wikipedia contributors, "Nepeta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nepeta

In the garden

Nepeta gigantea belongs to the genus Nepeta, a group of mint-family perennials known for aromatic leaves and spike-like clusters of tubular flowers. Species in this genus are native across Europe, Asia and Africa, and that broad background is reflected in the plant's tolerance of open, seasonally dry sites and its summer flowering habit; blooms appear from June to September. In cultivation, give Nepeta gigantea a sunny or lightly sheltered spot where its scent and flowers can be enjoyed; soil that drains freely will reduce the risk of winter wet around the roots. Light feeding in spring and removing spent flower spikes will prolong the display and help keep the plant neat through summer. Many Nepeta respond well to a short hard prune after flowering to stimulate a fresh flush of growth. In a UK garden Nepeta gigantea suits cottage borders, herbaceous beds and gravel or Mediterranean-style schemes where its foliage and summer flowers provide texture and steady colour. It also works well planted at the front of mixed borders to soften edges and to draw pollinators to flowering perennials during the summer months.

More in the Nepeta genus

Browse all Nepeta →