Nepeta, Summer Magic – A Compact, Long-Blooming Catmint
Nepeta ‘Summer Magic’ is a compact, reblooming variety of Catmint, prized for its lavender-blue flowers, aromatic foliage, and long-lasting blooms. Unlike traditional Nepeta varieties, it has a sterile, non-invasive habit with stronger, upright stems that resist flopping. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial is perfect for pollinator gardens, borders, and rock gardens, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while being resistant to deer and rabbits.
Flowers: Soft lavender-blue flowers, arranged in dense, upright spikes. Blooms continuously from early summer to fall, with deadheading encouraging reblooming. Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Height & Spread: Grows 12 to 18 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Forms a compact, bushy mound with strong, non-flopping stems.
Leaves: Silvery-green, aromatic leaves, with a soft, slightly fuzzy texture. Releases a pleasant minty scent when crushed, repelling deer and rabbits.
Growth Habit: Fast-growing, clump-forming perennial. Non-invasive and sterile, unlike some older Nepeta varieties.
Roots & Rhizomes: Shallow, fibrous root system, allowing easy division. Drought-tolerant once established.
Habitat & Range: A cultivar of Nepeta, specifically bred for compact size and strong stems. Thrives in full sun, preferring dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils. Highly tolerant of poor, sandy, or rocky soils.
Wildlife Benefits: Nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators, including honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant, due to its aromatic foliage.
Sterile and Non-Spreading: Unlike some Nepeta varieties that reseed aggressively, ‘Summer Magic’ is sterile, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens.
Extended Blooming Season: Blooms continuously from early summer to fall, especially with regular deadheading.
Heat and Drought Tolerant: Thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and rock gardens.
Growing Nepeta, Summer Magic: Best for pollinator gardens, rock gardens, and perennial borders. Thrives in full sun, preferring dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil. Highly drought-tolerant, needing minimal water once established. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Low-maintenance—simply cut back in early spring to refresh growth.
