About
Nepeta Grandiflora is a perennial in the genus Nepeta, grown for its long-flowering display from June to September. As with many Nepeta, it carries aromatic foliage and clusters of tubular flowers. Plants produce successive flower spikes through the summer, rewarding light maintenance. It suits mixed borders and planted edges where a summer sequence of bloom is wanted.
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 Grandiflora belongs to the genus Nepeta, a group of mainly herbaceous perennials traditionally valued for aromatic leaves and spike-like flower clusters. The wider genus is native to regions across Europe, Asia and Africa, and many members have become familiar in temperate gardens. In the UK this species flowers from June to September, providing a sustained summer show. Treat Nepeta Grandiflora as you would many Nepeta: position it where it receives good light to encourage flowering and scent. A free-draining soil is preferable; many Nepeta tolerate leaner soils once established and do not mind a touch of drought. Regular removal of spent flower heads encourages further bloom during the June–September period and prevents excessive self-seeding. Use Nepeta Grandiflora toward the front or middle of a mixed border, in gravel or cottage-style plantings, and alongside other summer-flowering perennials. Its flowering habit works well for softening the edge of shrub beds and for adding sustained colour through the summer months. Cut back after the main flowering flush to tidy growth and promote a reflush of flowers.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Nepeta genus
- Nepetacatmint
- Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'catmint 'Six Hills Giant'
- Nepeta govanianacatmint
- Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk'
- Nepeta nudanaked catmint
- Nepeta racemosa 'Superba'Dwarf Catnip
- Nepeta sibiricaSiberian catmint
- Nepeta × faasseniigarden catmint
