Nepeta tuberosa

The king of Catmints. Stiff stems. clothed in thick and velvety silver leaves, terminate in richly coloured spires of purple, two lipped, tubular flowers amid rosy bracts. After flowering the whole plant dies back to it's tuberous rootstock to await out the dry summer, emerging with the onset of cooler weather and moisture. Minimal summer water and good drainage essential. Best left undisturbed once established. Superb amongst other Mediterranean type plants eg. Cistus, Lavender, Euphorbia characias and proves to be the perfect vertical compliment to flat heads of Achillea or other horizontal flower types. Beware when planting together with the greenery of more tender plants as it appears in contrast just too content and well suited to our climate leaving them looking shabby and out of place, as perhaps they are.

This unusual “Catmint” from Spain & Portugal is perfectly suited to our Mediterranean climate. It is also a plant that generously rewards the patient gardener. It is a pleasant plant the first year, but when established, it is truly impressive. The royal purple flower spikes become more numerous & stout & they make a dramatic combination with the yellow flowers of Achillea ‘Moonwalker’ going into bloom at the same time. The flowers are much loved by honey bees as well as native bees. The leaves are an attractive wooly grey & usually stay visible all year, though they may go fully dormant during the Fall when the plant is young. Don’t worry – N. tuberosa is very drought tolerant & has just retreated to its tuberous roots to wait out the dry season. It grows to around 2’ tall & 2’ wide in regular garden soil & has not shown any sign of invasiveness. No trouble with cats rolling around in its fragrant foliage either. Very highly recommended for the dry garden.