Plant Patent Applied For
Far and away the showiest catmint we have ever grown, 'Blue Dragon' regales the gardener with large, dragonhead-shaped blooms of bright blue with a smattering of blue freckles on the "tongue." The result of crosses from numerous species, 'Blue Dragon' boasts the seldom-seen N. yunnanensis prominently in its parentage, but it is far more compact and contained than this oversized species, keeping only its huge flowers, unstoppable vigor, and long bloomtime.
The blooms begin in early summer, carried on all sides of great upright stems that add 6 inches or so to the plant's 2½-foot height. Radiantly beautiful, they keep coming for weeks, emerging from dark blue bracts that remain after the flowers have passed, creating a dramatically dark backdrop for the fresh flowers. The bloom cycles occur in waves all summer, ceasing only with the arrival of cooler autumn temperatures. Bees find 'Blue Dragon' absolutely irresistible, so be sure to treat the vegetable garden and any other sunny areas where pollination is essential to a big stand of this Nepeta.
Even out of bloom, this catmint is lovely, with fresh green foliage that forms a clump at the base of the plant, then dots the upright branches liberally. Very easy to grow and quick to leaf out each spring, this is a perennial needing little attention. It loves full sun and needs good soil drainage, but is otherwise quite self-sufficient. Scatter it among your Roses for bold contrast, or consider a mass planting along the driveway, outlining the perimeter of the property, or dividing one part of the garden from another. Summer heat and humidity only encourage its lush growth and generous flowering!
'Blue Dragon' spreads about 2½ feet wide, and doesn't mind a period of dry soil now and again. The flowers are superb for cutting, but their garden presence is so lovely and useful that you may have to grow a separate stand in the cutting garden just for the vase! We are confident that you will admire and enjoy this exciting new catmint for years to come. Zones 6-9.
