The world of catnip can quickly become confusing for laypeople. After all, there are numerous varieties that differ in terms of their flowering time, flower color, growth size, location requirements and resilience. Here is an overview of the best varieties.

The differences between gray and green-leaved varieties

First of all, a distinction must be made between gray and green-leaved varieties. The grey-leaved varieties are more common and less demanding to deal with. They are considered to be extremely drought and heat tolerant and get along excellently with nutrient-poor substrates. The low specimens among them grow to a height of between 20 and 30 cm. The larger specimens like to rise up to 1 m in height.

On the other hand, the green-leaved catnip are considered to be more difficult to handle. They cannot cope with southern exposure and heat. They also do not tolerate dry soil. They need it moist and prefer to grow in semi-shade. They include, for example, the 'Manchu Blue' variety, which blooms in a blue-violet color from May to June.

Well-known violet-flowering varieties

The catnip 'Superba' is probably the most robust variety. It is tried and tested and dates back to 1804. Its strengths are its enormously rich blossoms and its undemanding nature. It presents its flowers as early as April.

Other varieties with purple flowers are:

  • 'Grog': grey-leaved, with a subtle citrus scent, red calyxes
  • 'Odeur Citron': grey-leaved, strong citrus aroma that cats dislike
  • 'Walkers Low': grey-leaved, intensively colored flowers, plentiful, up to 80 cm high

Insider tips among catnip

Varieties that are less well-known but highly recommended for perennial borders as they create nice contrasts are the following:

  • 'Snowflake': white flowers, fast-growing
  • 'Gletschereis': silver-blue flowers, extremely filigree appearance
  • 'Blue Danube': blue-violet flowers, up to 120 cm high
  • 'Dawn to Dusk': purple calyxes and soft purple-pink flowers

tips and tricks

The best variety is considered to be 'Walkers Low'. It convinces with its colorful and numerous flowers, which put the other varieties in the shade…

KKF

Category:

Herbs