Nepeta ‘Summer Magic’ February 2017 Plant of the Month
I just had to share this new Nepeta or Catmint to the landscape world since there is finally a Catmint that does not flop during the summer months exposing a its bear middle. ‘Summer Magic’ is compact at only 15-18 inches high and wide and its stems are strong and sturdy. Once this plant becomes more available in the United States I will be using it in drifts. Was recently discovered in England as a chance seedling and thank to the observant eye of Malcolm Spencer we now have this wonderful perennial.
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BOTANICAL NAME Nepeta grandiflora ‘Summer Magic’
COMMON NAME Catmint
DESCRIPTION Finally a non-flopping catmint thanks to Summer Magic’s sturdy stems. Mounding perennial featuring loose whorls of small, abundant, two-lipped, trumpet-shaped, lavender-blue flowers atop square, leafy stems aromatic, gray-green foliage. Blooms in spring with almost continuous re-bloom into fall under optimum growing conditions.
FAMILY Lamiaceae
HEIGHT 15-18 inches
WIDTH 15-18 inches
HABIT Mound
ZONES 4 to 8
EXPOSURE Full Sun
FLOWER COLOR Blue
BLOOM SEASON Summer
COMPANION PLANTS Coreopsis, Iberis, Echinaceae
GROWING AND MAINTENANCE TIPS Grow in average to dry well-drained soils in full sun. Shear to ground after flowering in fall.
NOTES Although Nepeta cataria is the true catnip which drives house cats ecstatic, the leaves of this hybrid catmint are also attractive, albeit less enticing, to cats. Attracts hummingbirds. Rock gardens, Edging Plant. Discovered as a seedling by Malcolm Spencer. Limited availability in U.S.
