Culture
Grow in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Plants perform best in sharply drained soils. Shear flower spikes after initial flowering to promote continued bloom. May self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Nepeta grossheimii is a rare catmint that is native to the Republic of Georgia. It typically forms a spreading clump of stems to 2’ tall. Gray-green, ovate leaves are aromatic when crushed or bruised. Two-lipped, aromatic, blue flowers clustered in branching spikes bloom from May to October.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for certain aromatic plants that included catmint. It may honor the city of Nepete (known as Nepi today) located north of Rome in Etruria which was the ancient country located between the Arno and Tiber Rivers and was recognized, prior to the rise of Rome, as the center of the Etruscan civilization.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils.
Uses
Borders, herb gardens or naturalized plantings. This plant may be difficult to find in commerce.