Giant Catmint

Position: full sun or partial shadeSoil: moist, well-drained soilRate of growth: averageFlowering period: June to AugustHardiness: fully hardyA striking new catmint with small, tubular, deep purple-blue flowers held in clusters on upright stems from June to August and attractive, aromatic, sage-green foliage. This is a tall, vigorous perennial that looks wonderful in the middle of a sunny border alongside other blue or silver-leaved plants. Fresh or dried, the leaves make a refreshing and therapeutic tea which is high in Vitamin C and has traditionally been used to treat such conditions as nervousness, insomnia, hyperactivity, colds and fevers. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, and of course to cats, who will go mad for it. To prevent them from completely flattening it, insert several twiggy sticks into the centre of the plant. Garden care: Cut back after flowering has finished to keep the plant compact and divide large clumps in spring, replanting divided specimens with lots of well-rotted organic matter. If powdery mildew becomes a problem prune out the affected areas....more Price: £5.95 Source: Crocus •