Nepeta subsessilis Dark Blue Panther - Catnip

The Nepeta subsessilis 'Dark Blue Panther', also known as subsessile catmint, is a fast-flowering perennial with a bushy, erect, and well-branched habit, featuring broad light green aromatic leaves. Its dense and compact foliage forms a dome covered with large spikes of dark bluish-purple, wide, and fragrant flowers from the first summer. Preferring cool environments and heavy soils, the Nepeta subsessilis is ideal for borders, beds, or pots, thriving in sunny exposure. This variety starts flowering only 15 weeks after sowing.

The Nepeta subsessilis belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This perennial species is native to the moist mountain slopes of Asia. 'Dark Blue Panther' is a horticultural selection. The plant forms, from spring, a dense and bushy clump of 30 cm in height, spreading about 40 cm; it quickly spreads through its rhizomes. Flowering begins in June and continues until September. The flowers, clustered in dense spikes, are dark bluish-purple and measure 3 cm in length. Very melliferous, fragrant, they attract a large number of bees and butterflies. The foliage is medium green, and the leaves are very aromatic when crushed. They are ovate, toothed, glabrous, and measure 8 to 10 cm in length. It is one of the species most able to withstand high atmospheric humidity. Also known as Catmint, its leaves are attractive to these small felines.

The Nepeta subsessilis 'Dark Blue Panther' is an easy-to-grow plant, thriving ideally in cool, rich soil in sunny exposure. Although it tolerates dry, poor, and rocky soils, its flowering will be less generous in these conditions. Less drought-resistant than other Nepeta varieties, it, however, adapts better to heavy soils. Used in border plantings, on slopes, or in containers, the Nepeta subsessilis lends itself to charming combinations with roses to create a romantic atmosphere, or with perennials with yellow or orange flowers for a striking contrast, such as Achillea 'Terracotta', Coreopsis, or Rudbeckias. It also pairs very well with Lobelias and Chelone, and its bluish-purple flowering complements the intense blue of Salvia guaranitica. In heavy, moist soil, pair it with Salvia uliginosa with celestial blue flowers.