Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint)

Very free flowering and one of the tallest, Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint) is a vigorous herbaceous perennial noted for its billowing, aromatic, gray-green foliage that is topped with 9-12 in. spikes (22-30 cm) of rich violet-blue flowers in early summer with repeat blooms throughout the growing season. Although the stems are 2-3 ft long (60-90 cm), the arching habit of this Nepeta brings the height down to 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm). Plant large drifts of Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ along a walkway to create a garden space that overflows with color, and enjoy its lemon scent when bruised!

• Typically grows in spreading clumps, up to 24-36 inches tall (60-90 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Performs best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Moist soils are preferred as this Nepeta is not as drought tolerant as other Nepetas. Provide light afternoon shade in warm summer areas.
• A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: beds and borders, in gravel gardens, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens. It is also great for edging beds, spilling over walls, or along paths. Nepeta is perfect for underplanting roses as the colors complement each other, and the foliage hides the bare feet of the rose bushes.
• Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds but is ignored by deer and rabbits.
• Extremely easy-growing plant with few pests or problems. Watch for leafhoppers or powdery mildew.
• It may be cut back before flowering to promote a more compact size. Shear flower spikes after flowering to encourage a second flowering. Best propagated by division in spring or fall.