Nepeta or Catmint at Digging Dog | Nepeta racemosa, Nepeta x faassenii, & Nepeta reichenbachiana

Sometime around May a certain fragrance tells us that it’s time for sunny days and warm weather. It’s Nepeta! Catmint, as it is commonly called, is a free bloomer whose billowy mounds of lavender, pink or white flowers are as opulent as its aromatic foliage.

Supposedly, this herb renders timid people fierce, and the botanist Tournefort tells of a hangman who couldn’t cut the mustard “til he chewed a little catmint root.” Have some Loosestrife around in case things get out of hand.

Nepeta ‘Blue Dragon’

Big, bright blue-violet tubular blooms with an extended white freckled lower lip and smoky purple calyxes bedeck showy 6 in. floral spires. Inheriting the vigor of its yunnanensis parent, yet maintaining a neat compact habit, branched upright stems emerge from underground stolons and sprout attractive notched grayish green leaves.

Barely fazed by heat, humidity and sporadic dry periods, ‘Blue Dragon’s long blooming flowers make a spectacular addition to a summer bouquet. (PPAF)

Nepeta ‘Longipes’

Bathed in restful hues, this seldom-offered Nepeta fashions a softly colored, large mound of good-sized, serrated, gray-green leaves and tall, branching spikes embellished with densely set lilac flowers. Blooming for months, ‘Longipes’ creates a pleasing pastel medley in the company of Papaver spicatum and Euphorbia myrsinites.

Nepeta ‘Pool Bank’

An upright Englishman standing taller and with less sprawl than Nepeta x ‘Six Hills Giant’, ‘Pool Bank’s gray-green foliage gives way to tall, branched spires decorated with bluish lavender blossoms, bound by subtly hued mulberry calyxes. The soft look of this Nepeta is effective in midborder drifts with Agastache ‘Apricot Sunrise’.

Nepeta ‘Psfike (Little Trudy)™’

A dogged constitution and compact good looks hallmark this new Plant Select offering. Flourishing in xeric conditions, a noteworthy close-to-the ground mound of well branched stems and dusty silver-green, serrated leaves gives way to deep lavender flower spires nearly all season long. Nestle fine-textured Little Trudy along a walkway, amid stairs, atop a wall or in the rock garden where she makes a composed companion for Oenothera ‘Silver Blade’. (PPAF)

Nepeta ‘Snowflake’

A snowy divergence from the blue-violet hues typical of its family members, small white whorled flowers blanket a compact, soft-looking mound of serrated, gray-green leaves all summer. Well-suited for edging a path or border, Nepeta ‘Snowflake’ casts composed accents on neighbors like Origanum acutidens and Penstemon ‘Blue Midnight’. Zone 4/5.

Nepeta faassenii ‘Kit Kat’

A well-mannered newcomer, ‘Kit Kat’ keeps a compact, low-to-the-ground profile. Pint-sized leaves shape the gray-green clump that projects cool tones especially when small but numerous terminal clusters of lavender-blue flowers unfurl all summer long.

Perfect for diminishing hard edges along paths, steps or in the rockery, this floriferous Nepeta easily melds with Stachys ‘Silky Fleece’ and Scutellaria ‘Smoky Hills’.

Nepeta grandiflora ‘Dawn to Dusk’

One of the best pink Nepetas, ‘Dawn to Dusk’ produces an open mound of soft, sage-green foliage. Smoky violet calyxes make the color combination even more soothing.

Nepeta grandiflora ‘Wild Cat’

Awarded four stars in the Chicago Botanical Garden’s Nepeta performance trials, this exciting new Catmint broadcasts lively purplish red calyxes that can be enjoyed long after its blossoms have faded. The lush sage-green leaves create a vigorous understory for quantities of small, dark blue-violet tubes clustered on good-sized flower heads. Staged midborder, the colorful display spans several months and blends easily with Sedum ‘Hab Gray’, while riding on tall upright stems.

Nepeta latifolia

This new, tall growing, stately Nepeta is a favorite of ours for its densely massed whorls of lilac flowers on long, slender panicles, and the lush, broad, gray-green foliage that covers its stout, branched stems. We combine these pastel hues with Centaurea macrocephala, Caryopteris incana and Crocosmia ‘Emily McKenzie’ for a pleasing mixture of foliage and late season flower power.

Nepeta nervosa

Despite its name, this outstanding Kashmiri native will give you nothing to be nervous about. With an upright and bushy stance, Nepeta nervosa features handsome, dark green foliage that’s veined and somewhat linear in shape, accompanied by large, dense clusters of dark blue flowers. Plant at the base of Buddleia crispa, and enjoy the strikingly classic contrast of blue and silver.

Nepeta parnassica

A rather new introduction, Nepeta parnassica is tall growing. Attached to its brawny stems, sizable grayish green leafage lifts itself toward lush spikes of lilac-blue flowers and dark, wine-hued calyxes. This late bloomer’s height puts it midborder, where, backed by the concurrent blooms of Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’, a late summer pleasure is yours for the viewing.

Nepeta racemosa ‘Little Titch’

‘Little Titch’ has such a small stature that even Nepeta ‘Superba’ is more upright. With tightly packed gray-green leaves, it forms a low growing, dense mat. Adorning stem tips, small heads of rich blue flowers bloom all summer long. ‘Little Titch’ is delightful between rocks or up front in the border with Dracocephalum ‘Fuji White’ and Diascia ‘Coral Canyon’.

Nepeta racemosa ‘Superba’

A matlike habit and small leaves give ‘Superba’ a fine texture that sets it apart from other Nepetas. Contrast its compact carpet of gray-green foliage with a backdrop of Phygelius x ‘Pink Elf’.

Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’

This low mounding newcomer has a clean-cut look that lasts throughout the summer, making it excellent for the front of a border. The deep lavender-blue flowers are some of the most vividly colored of the Nepetas we offer, and they harmonize beautifully with the blooms of Penstemon ‘Pike’s Peak Purple’ and Helenium ‘Coppelia’.

Nepeta reichenbachiana

This compact Nepeta bears blue flowers with just a hint of violet, and offers verdant foliage. Growing profusely, it forms a thick, low mound with a sumptuous play of color, texture and fragrance.

Nepeta sibirica ‘Souvenir d’ A. Chaudron’

Long after this species has bloomed you will remember its large, tubular, blue flowers highlighted by intensely aromatic, deep green foliage. With an upright form, ‘Souvenir d’ A. Chaudron’ makes a good companion for Origanum ‘Bristol Cross’ or Euphorbia rigida.

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Blue Dreams’

Broadcasting vibrant blue tones, a profusion of large, loosely arranged plump cylinders house tubular blooms with darker fringed calyxes. Neat, serrated leaves make a handsome cover for the upright clumping stems that flourish in moist soil and dappled shade. Deadheading will keep the flowers coming.

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Cool Cat’

Icy spikes of white-specked lavender-blue flowers to soothe the senses on a hot afternoon are what this new, highly touted Nepeta has to offer. Compact straight-up stems are densely shrouded in dark green serrated leaves, making a tidy aromatic base for the prolific summer long display. Partner with Eryngium ‘Blue Jackpot’ and blue-flowered Anchusa and enjoy the cool-colored vignette.

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams’

Found growing on shady, mountainous rocks or coastal cliffs in Japan, this species likes moist soil. Upright, clumping stems lined with serrated, lanceolate foliage provide a lush background for the fat, cylindrical spikes of long, trumpet-shaped clear pink flowers. Distinguished by eye catching dark burgundy floral bracts and larger, deep green leaves, ‘Sweet Dreams’ continues to bloom if deadheaded, and can be paired with Persicaria ‘Rosea’.

Nepeta x ‘Joanna Reed’

We recently acquired this distinctive, hard-to-find Nepeta from Stonehouse Nursery in Michigan. A naturally occurring cross between Nepeta sibirica and Nepeta faassenii, ‘Joanna Reed’s upright form boasts vibrantly colored clusters of flowers. Highlighted by pink throats, the iridescent blue-violet blooms garnish handsome gray-green foliage and harmonize with Lobelia tupa.

Nepeta x ‘Six Hills Giant’

Both upright and billowy, this Nepeta is spectacular in drifts, sporting stems laden with lavender flowers. Its blossoms are held openly above its soft gray-green foliage. An old favorite here, ‘Six Hills Giant’ looks superb backed by Calamagrostis ‘Avalanche’, with its golden seed heads. Pink Geraniums are equally worthy companions.

Nepeta x faassenii ‘Select Blue’

David Salmon of High Country Gardens recently selected this long blooming, tough-as-nails Catmint for its markedly blue flower spikes. Long, tapered, gray-green leaves comprise a tidy, low growing mound that is covered with blossoms in late spring, and if trimmed back, bestow a second showing in late summer. Vigorous and drought tolerant, ‘Select Blue’ can be paired with another floriferous perennial, Diascia ‘Pink Adobe’, for a colorful union.

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

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A VALENTINE GIFT THAT GROWS ON YOU!

Choose from a stunning collection of

PINK, PURPLE or WHITE BLOOMING PLANTS

from Digging Dog Nursery!

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GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

~~SPECIAL VALENTINE OFFERS FROM THE DIGGING DOGS~~

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~ 15% Discount on $100 or more worth of plants that

are available now. Orders must be shipped no later than March 2nd

to be eligible for the discount!

~ 10% Discount on Gift Certificates of $100 or more.

$100 worth of plants for only $90!

(don't forget one for yourself--cash it in on your Spring order!)

Use code: ”Valentines2010”

& place in the “comment” box on the online order form.

Sale runs from now through February 27, 2010!

*** Plant orders must be received no later than February 6th

to be delivered by February 14! ***

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Gift Wrapping for Selected Plants

Valentine’s Day Special Gift Wrap:

If you'd like to select 3 or more of the plants mentioned in Deborah’s Diary, below, to be sent as a Valentine's Gift, we'll wrap them in silver paper with red ribbon and pack them with a sprinkling of festive red shredded paper. A gift card by Marsha Mello will also be included. Just put "Valentine 2010" in the “comment“ box on the online mail order form, along with the sentiment you'd like us to include.

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DEBORAH’S DIARY:

FOR A COLORFUL VALENTINE’S HOLIDAY

Valentine’s Day is a great holiday for remembering those we love near and far. We hope you'll peruse our selection of intriguing plants. They can be nurtured indoors and then planted in the garden as soon as the frost has disappeared. Next year on Valentine’s Day, your loved ones will still be enjoying this exquisite gift that will keep on growing.

PERENNIALS

Cyclamen

These versatile, easy to grow perennials make an appearance for Valentine’s Day with marbled foliage and dramatic blossoms. After pointed buds rise from established tubers, glorious blooms, composed of five reflexing petals, emerge. Clusters of lustrous heart-shaped leaves etched with pewter, persist all winter, dying back in late spring. Fanciful, pretty-in-pink flowers dress up Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Rose Pearls’s marbled, glistening greenery. Interplant with white-blooming Cyclamen hederifolium ‘White Pearls’ for a marvelous vignette. Blooms from October through November, grows to eight inches and is hardy to Zone 5.

Pulmonaria

One of the earliest plants to bloom, the urn shaped flowers can be picked in February. Easy-to-grow Pulmonarias prefer cool, moist soil. A refined inspiration for those shady spots, Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ will make a great Valentine’s gift. Periwinkle blue flowers that fade with shades of pink stand up to 8 inches above handsome, evenly silver-blotched foliage. Planted en masse, it forms a noninvasive ground cover in a shaded rock garden. Blooms mid-February through May and is hardy to Zone 4.

Bergenia

Bergenia’s are known for the fine, firm foliage mass and Saxifrage-like, waxy flowers that justify their presence in the garden. Great, glossy and nearly evergreen leaves are a handsome backdrop for dense heads of lovely spring blooms that rise on stalwart, red-tinted stems. In winter the leaves become tinged with burgundy, perfect for a Valentine’s remembrance. Bergenia endures neglect, poor soil and some drought. We suggest Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, distinguished for the pure white color of its mature blossoms, its amazing floriferous nature, and leafy robustness. It blooms from April through May and stands 12-15 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 4.

Eucomis

Eucomis belongs to the Lily family and calls tropical southern Africa its home. Pineapple Lily prefers warm, sunny nooks with mulched, well drained soil and protection from excessive winter cold and moisture. In colder areas, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ makes an excellent plant for a favorite container. The burgundy-red, semierect rosette of strapping, waxy leaves appears more green as the weather warms. Crowned by a pineapple-like cluster of leaves, the densely set starry flowers populate thick, cylindrical maroon spikes. The purple blossoms display unique greenish tones adding dramatic highlights to arrangements. It blooms from late July through September, grows over two feet tall and is hardy to Zone 8.

Allium

Alliums or ‘Ornamental Onions’ are embellished versions of the common culinary bulbs. Prospering in a sunny, well drained site, these pest resistant Alliums add flair to the garden, a cherished container, or an arrangement and can be attractive either fresh or dried. Allium schubertii evokes the energy of a bursting firecracker as some 200 miniature star-styled florets top stiff pedicels, shooting out in different lengths from the flower's center. Spidery globes--enormous, loosely arranged lilac-pink wonders--measure at least a foot across. Blooming from May through June, it grows to eighteen inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5.

Thymus

Planted in the herb garden or around and between stepping stones, Thymes love sun and well drained soil, and can even tolerate a dose of wind and salt spray. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, delicately textured Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ fashions a fresh pink blanket of bloom and small grayish green leaves. ‘Pink Chintz’ is one of the first Thymes to flower, blooming from May through July, it grows only 1 to 2 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5. Another fantastic Thyme is Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus ‘Albus’ commonly known as ‘White Creeping Thyme.’ The elfin-sized army of bright green, rounded leaves and thin, straw-colored stems weave a springy evergreen mass. Petite white flowers form a thick summertime icing when they bloom from July through August. Staying low, only about two inches, it’s hardy to Zone 5. Consider Thymus serpyllum ‘Minor’, whose tiny miniature leaves comprise a snug, carpet-like hummock. Remarkably rugged, the gray-green overlapping foliage can endure some foot traffic and hot, dry conditions. Lavender-pink flowers peek from the fine textured, soft-looking clump. Blooms July through August, grows to three inches and is hardy to Zone 4.

Salvia

Sage, was thought, in ancient times, to perpetuate good health. The following tender cultivars make stellar container candidates in cold winter areas. Salvia involucrata ‘Hidalgo’ loves full sun and is known as the ‘Roseleaf Sage’. Large, rounded, dusky magenta buds cluster at stem tips and open into brilliant pink, fuzzy tubular flowers toned down by deep purple calyxes. Dark green leaves are arranged in pairs and complement red petioles on strong straight stalks. Revered by hummingbirds, this bushy Salvia grows up to four feet, it’s hardy to Zones 8/9 and blooms from August through mid-October. Equally attractive, Salvia microphylla ‘Dennis’ Pink’ is touted as one of the best pink-colored microphyllas. These good-sized flowers are a full-bodied fuchsia pink. Freely borne blooms feature dark charcoal-tinged calyxes, hooded upper petals and prominent lower lips illuminated by singular white splotches. The long lasting display energizes a bushy mass of wiry stems and green finely toothed leaves that remain root-hardy through chilly winters. Hardy to Zone 8.

GRASSES

Carex

Offering a sea of striking blue, Carnation-like foliage, Carex flacca (glauca) is a versatile ornamental grass that can take full sun or partial shade. Narrow blades create a noninvasive, slowly spreading mass. Purple-black spikes appear to float just above the solid, flowering stems. Easy to establish, Carex flacca tolerates drought and adapts to an array of growing conditions. Blooming from May through June and standing up to 15 inches, it’s hardy to Zone 4.

SHRUBS

Erica’s

Also known as ³Heaths², Ericas have fine, short, needle-like evergreen leaves with tiny, urn-shaped flowers. Mos floriferous in winter and early spring, these four Ericas make perfect combination of pinks, purples and whites for Valentine’s Day gift giving. Erica carnea ‘Springwood Pink’ sports clear pink flowers engulfing the forest green foliage, followed by vigorous spring growth that sprouts bright bronze. Erica carnea ‘Vivelli’ brings carmine red flowers covering a low spreading form. Its deep green, summer foliage bronzes after the first frost. The Erica mediterranea ‘W. T. Rackliff’ has pristine white flowers that stand out against the dee green foliage, which clumps to an almost spherical mound. Erica x darleyensis ‘Margaret Porter’s dainty lilac urns embellish attractive mid-green needles that comprise a low spreading form.

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM THE DIGGING DOGS

Can you even believe it?! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and we’re expected to welcome our new sisters. There are now THREE cats running around our beautiful nursery! How could they? It wasn’t bad enough that “Clause” showed up last Christmas for ‘mouse patrol’, but Zoe had to go out and find two kittens. Clause is none too happy about the situation, either. Guess we’ll just have to get out to the gardens and do some more digging…that’ll remind Deborah & Gary who’s really top dog around this place. Oh, by the way, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Diggings!

Neptune, Briella & Maya, The Digging Dogs & Clause, Olivia & Parker (the annoying cats!)

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~ ~ DIGGING DOG NURSERY'S 2010 CATALOG is in the mail!

(If you are on our mailing list and don't receive it soon, or you want to

order our catalog ($4), you can do so at this web site or call 707-937-1130)

~ ~ SUMMER & FALL PLANT SALES 2010 ~ ~

July 9, 10 & 11 and

October 8, 9 & 10

Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

~ ~ SATURDAY STROLLS 2010 ~ ~

Informative walks through the Nursery & Nursery gardens

with Gary Ratway, Deborah Whigham and/or Nursery staff

twice a month on alternate Saturdays - June through October.

- dates to be announced -

GARDEN CLUB NEWS

We are now offering special accommodations for garden clubs, master gardeners and any other educational groups.

Set against a majestic backdrop of towering redwoods, our 1.5 acre, family-owned Nursery includes

9 greenhouses, a large outdoor growing area, exquisitely planted borders, hedgerows, a new kitchen garden and more.

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~~We'll provide tea, coffee and water and an inspired setting for a luncheon.

Bring your own lunch, or we can arrange for a catered meal.

~~If you would like to spend more time on our beautiful coast,

we'll assist you in selecting your lodging.

~~We'll be happy to give your group a guided tour of the Nursery and

surrounding plantings that is tailored to your specific interests and needs.

LECTURES BY DEBORAH WHIGHAM

Horticurturalist and Digging Dog co-owner, Deborah Whigham,

is available to travel to your club meeting

for a talk and slide show on garden topics such as

drought resistant plants and “Off Season Interest in Your Garden.”

Deborah has lectured at the Luther Burbank Garden Center, Livermore Gardening Club,

the Garden Club of Palo Alto, Marin Master Gardeners,

the Shepherd Garden & Art Center, the Modesto Garden Club and others.

To inquire about fees and arrangements, call Deborah at (707) 937-1235.

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Icons:

Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Nepeta (Catmint)
at Digging Dog

Including Nepeta racemosa, Nepeta x faassenii, & Nepeta reichenbachiana

Nepeta

Catmint

Nepeta ‘Blue Dragon’

Nepeta ‘Longipes’

Nepeta ‘Pool Bank’

Nepeta ‘Psfike (Little Trudy)™’

Nepeta ‘Snowflake’

Nepeta faassenii ‘Kit Kat’

Nepeta grandiflora ‘Dawn to Dusk’

Nepeta grandiflora ‘Wild Cat’

Nepeta latifolia

Nepeta nervosa

Nepeta parnassica

Nepeta racemosa ‘Little Titch’

Nepeta racemosa ‘Superba’

Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’

Nepeta reichenbachiana

Nepeta sibirica ‘Souvenir d’ A. Chaudron’

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Blue Dreams’

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Cool Cat’

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams’

Nepeta x ‘Joanna Reed’

Nepeta x ‘Six Hills Giant’

Nepeta x faassenii ‘Select Blue’

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

Customer Comment:

top of page

Icons:

Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Nepeta (Catmint)at Digging Dog

Including Nepeta racemosa, Nepeta x faassenii, & Nepeta reichenbachiana

Nepeta

Catmint

Nepeta ‘Blue Dragon’

Nepeta ‘Longipes’

Nepeta ‘Pool Bank’

Nepeta ‘Psfike (Little Trudy)™’

Nepeta ‘Snowflake’

Nepeta faassenii ‘Kit Kat’

Nepeta grandiflora ‘Dawn to Dusk’

Nepeta grandiflora ‘Wild Cat’

Nepeta latifolia

Nepeta nervosa

Nepeta parnassica

Nepeta racemosa ‘Little Titch’

Nepeta racemosa ‘Superba’

Nepeta racemosa ‘Walker’s Low’

Nepeta reichenbachiana

Nepeta sibirica ‘Souvenir d’ A. Chaudron’

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Blue Dreams’

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Cool Cat’

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Sweet Dreams’

Nepeta x ‘Joanna Reed’

Nepeta x ‘Six Hills Giant’

Nepeta x faassenii ‘Select Blue’

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY ***Specials & Events***

Customer Comment:

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Nepeta (Catmint)
at Digging Dog

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events