Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk'

Overview

Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk' is a garden plant in the genus Nepeta, part of the Lamiaceae family. It typically grows around 0.75 metres tall and 0.3 metres wide.

About

Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk' is a clump-forming, erect deciduous herbaceous perennial in the mint family Lamiaceae. It carries aromatic, slightly hairy grey‑green leaves and produces spikes of purple‑blue flowers. Plants reach about 0.75 m tall by 0.30 m wide at maturity. Flowering occurs from June to September.

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 'Dawn to Dusk' is a cultivated selection of Nepeta, a genus in the Lamiaceae originally described from the Caucasus. As a herbaceous perennial it forms upright clumps with aromatic, slightly hairy grey‑green leaves and erect flower spikes that open purple‑blue from June to September. Mature plants are typically around 0.75 m high with a spread near 0.30 m. Position this Nepeta where flower spikes can be seen above neighbouring plants; the species is valued for siting in the middle of a mixed border in a sunny spot. Allow roughly the mature spread between plants to avoid overcrowding. Soil need not be specialised but ensure the crown is planted at the same level as in the nursery container and that drainage is adequate to prevent waterlogging. Routine care is straightforward: remove spent flower heads to keep the clump tidy and, if desired, trim foliage back after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Because it flowers through the summer months, deadheading also helps extend the visual display. Allow established clumps space to reach about 0.30 m so the flower spikes can rise clearly above the grey‑green foliage.