Trial identifies top catmints

Chicago Botanic Garden released the results of an eight-year study evaluating Nepeta (catmint). Of the 36 taxa of Nepeta evaluated by CBG between 1999-2006, 30 successfully completed a minimum four-year trial, although some taxa were evaluated for an eight-year period. Plants were assessed for their ornamental traits, disease and insect resistance, cultural adaptability and hardiness.

Twenty-two of the taxa that completed the trial were highly rated for heavy flower production, robust plant habit, good health and winter hardiness. The majority of plants were consistently strong bloomers, often with flower production above 80 percent during the peak flower period. Most continued to flower without deadheading.

Four received five-star excellent ratings for overall performance: N. ‘Joanna Reed,’ N. ‘Six Hills Giant,’ N. x faassenii ‘Select Blue’ and 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year N. racemosa ‘ Walker’s Low.’

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For more: Chicago Botanic Garden, (847) 835-5440; www.chicagobotanic.org.