Nepeta clarkei
€4,90
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Nepeta clarkei
€4,90
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\nNepeta clarkei's natural habitat consists of rocky slopes and open sunny areas along streams and lakes, at altitudes of up to 3000m.
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\nWhy is it called catnip? The nepetalactone contained in some species of the genus Nepeta binds to the olfactory receptors of cats, usually causing temporary euphoria that makes them roll and shudder with pure joy.
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\nNepeta clarkei is a perennial that forms a lovely clump of leafy stems, which are covered in early summer with small, delicately blue and white flowers.
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\n \nThis has given the whole genus the nickname "catnip," though the one with greater powers is the sister Nepeta cataria. \n \n
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\nThe flowers are more complex than the other Nepeta flowers - they are bicolored, a lavendar blue overall color exposes a soft white throat as the flower grows.
\nThe leaves are similar to the rest of the Nepeta family - crinkled, grey-green leaves, aromatic when crushed.
\nThe stems are square in section and hairy near the base.
\n \n\n \nThis has given the whole genus the nickname "catnip," though the one with greater powers is the sister Nepeta cataria. \n \n
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👩🌾GARDENING TIPS👩🌾:
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- Himalayan Catmint, like other Nepeta species, is perfect for a low-maintenance garden that embraces nature. \n
- Very hardy, this species enjoys sunlight but dislikes overly dry soils, making it a true mountain dweller. \n
- Continuous blooming is encouraged by removing spent flowers. \n
- Make sure your soil is well draining, because while catnip can handle drought and frost - it cannot handle soggy roots! \n
- Looks great with: Sedum, Echinacea purpurea, Stachys byzantina, Achillea, Agastache \n
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Discover more about gardening with Nepeta:
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FR: Comment jardiner...Moins!
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ENG: The Perfectly Behaved Perennial
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The Tales & The Botany: Nepeta clarkei
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🌸 Floral Morphology: Nepeta clarkei
\nThe flowers of Nepeta clarkei grow in dense terminal spikes, forming a cloud of color at the stem tips.
\nEach flower is bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic), tubular, and approximately 1–2 cm long.
\nThe corolla is two-lipped, with a short upper lip and a longer lower lip that acts as a landing platform for pollinators.
\nThe four stamens are enclosed within the corolla tube, surrounding a single forked style.
\nLeaves are opposite, ovate to lanceolate, and lightly hairy, creating a soft, silvery-grey texture that enhances the plant’s visual appeal.
\nWhen brushed or crushed, the foliage releases a gentle aromatic scent, making it a delight for both the eyes and nose.
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🌱 Reproductive Biology
\nFlowers are hermaphroditic, capable of self-pollination but naturally favoring cross-pollination by bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
\nFruits are small nutlets that can self-seed under ideal conditions, allowing the plant to naturalize slowly in suitable garden settings.
\nBlooming occurs from late spring to mid-summer, and deadheading may extend flowering slightly.
\nThe flowers’ tubular structure and aromatic foliage make Nepeta clarkei particularly attractive to pollinators, adding both ecological and aesthetic value to the garden.
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🌍 Ecology & Adaptations
\nNepeta clarkei thrives in temperate and Mediterranean-style gardens, particularly in:
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- Borders and rockeries: Adds soft color and texture with low, compact foliage. \n
- Pollinator-friendly beds: Produces abundant nectar for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. \n
- Sunny, well-drained sites: Full sun encourages prolific flowering and compact growth, while the plant tolerates poor soils. \n
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Key adaptations include:
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💦 High drought tolerance once established: Hairy, silvery leaves reduce water loss and help the plant survive dry conditions.
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☀️ Sun-loving: Performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade.
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👍 Low-maintenance: Aromatic foliage deters some pests, and the plant requires minimal care.
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🌸 Long flowering period: Ensures continuous visual impact and nectar supply for several weeks.
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💪 Self-supporting, compact habit: Ideal for front-of-border planting, rockeries, and container use.
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Other Names:
\nHimalayan Catmint \n \n\n \n
Origin:
\nPakistan, Kashmir, north-western India, and Tibet
€4,90
| Flowering | June, July |
| Size | 0.6m H x 0.6m W |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Frost Tolerance | -20°C to -25°C |
| Soil | Cool, Dry |