Nepeta faassenii Limelight - Catnip

Nepeta x fassenii 'Limelight' is a small variety of catnip forming tufts of bright green-yellow, aromatic foliage and upright spikes of blue-lavender flowers in spring and summer, loved by pollinators. This will resume in October, provided that faded flowers are pruned in summer. A charming hardy, drought-resistant and truly undemanding perennial that thrives in any well-drained, even poor soil, in any garden style.

Nepeta x faassenii, loved by cats, is a perennial belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is the result of cross-breeding between N. racemosa and N. nepetella, native to central and southern Europe. This horticultural creation has given rise to many varieties interesting for gardens, including 'Limelight', with low golden, deciduous vegetation. It is a bushy perennial with a branching habit, forming a beautiful mass 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) tall, occupying 40 cm (16in) of ground. In spring, this nepeta forms a cushion covered with small velvety, green-yellow or golden leaves, which release a slightly menthol fragrance when crushed. It flowers from June (sometimes earlier in favourable climates) to October, with a short rest period in summer drought. The vegetation is covered with a profusion of long spikes adorned with tiny tender, nectar-rich, mauve-blue flowers with velvety purple bracts. If the faded flowers are removed, it forms new, dense foliage and new flowers.

The beauty of its foliage, the generosity of its flowering, and its compact habit make Nepeta x fassenii 'Limelight' an essential plant for the garden, even in dry conditions, or pots. It is superb in rockeries or on walls which it tops with bright low vegetation and a carpet of mauve flowers, just like aubrietias or wall bellflowers. Contrast its lime green foliage with dark, purple succulents, such as Chocolate Cherry. It has multiple uses, to border a path or walkway, to fill the base of bush roses, in wild-style flower beds, with gauras and Sedum 'Matrona'. In a mixed border, its mauve flowers will contrast with the yellow blooms of yarrows, lady's mantle and Corsican spurge. It is also stunning with California poppies, rock roses, and other cistus.