Nepeta racemosa

Nepeta racemosa is low-growing perennial that typically forms a spreading clump of decumbent, ascending and upright stems to 12" tall and 18" wide. Features gray-green, hairy, ovate leaves with crenate margins, prominent veining and heart-shaped bases. Leaves are highly aromatic when crushed or bruised. Pale lilac to deep violet two-lipped flowers clustered in loose raceme-like verticillasters (false whorls) bloom in spring.

Catmint is a traditional sunny border plant, large and very hardy.

'Six Hills Giant' has grey-green foliage, covered all summer in masses of short spikes of lavender-like flowers which attract lots of bees. Once established, the plant is fairly drought-tolerant. The foliage is very aromatic and, when crushed or bruised, releases a strong lemony scent, hence the popularity of the plant for edging paths.

Similar plants:

• Clinopodium nepeta, Calamintha nepeta (Lesser Calamint)
• Nepeta cataria (Catnip )
• Nepeta curviflora (Syrian Catnip)
• Nepeta grandiflora (Caucasus Catnip)