This herbaceous perennial is a sterile hybrid from N. racemosa and N. nepetella and although variable in habit is usually upright and billowy. The narrowly ovate leaves are 1.5 inches long, wedge-shaped at the base, aromatic, and gray-green in color. The lavender-blue ½ inch flowers are carried in large clusters on well-branched n stems well above the foliage in spring. As the common name implies cats love to roll in the plants so keep the cats away unless you are OK with squashed Nepetas. The plants are often cited as a good companion plant for roses and they serve well in this regard in both the garden and vase. They are a good choice for background material for many arrangements that can use the lavender blue color and the air of delicacy.
Cutting: Needs no special treatment.
Conditioning: Put stems in deep warm water for several hours.
Preserving: Not relevant
Cultivation:
Size: 1-2’ H x 1.5-3’ W
Light: Full sun in North, afternoon shade in South
Soil: Average, dry to medium moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 3-8
Propagation: Division (Plants are sterile)
Care: Dead head to extend bloom time; cut back by half after flower to encourage a rebloom.