Overview

Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk' is a bushy, clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Nepeta, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous, aromatic, grey-green foliage. It typically grows around 0.75 metres tall and 0.3 metres wide. Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, edging, cottage gardens and pollinator-friendly planting schemes. It is native to Caucasus region.

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.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Nepeta

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous perennial

Habit

Bushy, Clump-forming

Foliage

Deciduous, Aromatic, Grey-green

Height

0.75 metres

Spread

0.3 metres

Suggested uses

Borders, Edging, Cottage gardens, Pollinator-friendly planting schemes

Native to

Caucasus region

Fragrance

Aromatic leaves with a minty scent

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk'

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth

Propagation

Seed, Softwood cuttings, Semi-ripe cuttings, Division

Pest resistance

Slugs, Snails

Disease resistance

Powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

More in the Nepeta genus

• 
  Nepetacatmint
• 
  Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'catmint 'Six Hills Giant'
• 
  Nepeta Grandiflora
• 
  Nepeta govanianacatmint
• 
  Nepeta racemosa 'Superba'Dwarf Catnip
• 
  Nepeta × faassenii 'Blue Dwarf' ('Blauknirps')Blue Dwarf Catmint
• 
  Nepeta × faassenii 'Variegata'Variegated Catmint
• Nepeta 'Romany Dusk'