Nepeta sibirica 'Souvenir d'André Chaudon'

Common name: 'Souvenir d'André Chaudon' Siberian catmint
Plant type: Perennial
Flower color: Violet-blue
Bloom period: June-September
Fragrance: Leaves are minty
Height: 2-3 feet
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4-9
Light needs: Full sun
Moisture needs: Average to dry
Seasonal character: Spikes of large blue flowers for most of summer; clean, gray-green foliage

Here's a French plant for you--by way of Siberia, or rather the other way around. This relatively new nepeta cultivar is not to be missed. With much bigger, showier flowers than all other nepetas, outstandingly long continuous bloom, and a compact habit, for me 'André' has become the nepeta of choice.

Quite a bit taller than the widely grown x faassenii hybrids, this nepeta is paradoxically less prone to flopping outward and having a hollow center. It has stout stems that are thickly clothed with long, pointed gray-green leaves right down to ground level. It seems to always be in bloom, even without deadheading, and the blossoms are attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds. The spikes also make great cutflowers.

Grow this nepeta in well-drained soil in a sunny location. Placing it in part shade will cause it to become floppy and to bloom less. Its violet-blue color makes it an easy companion for almost any other plant. 'Souvenir d'André Chaudon' looks especially ravishing with the apricot rose 'Cornelia', Achillea millefolium 'Terracotta', and Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam.' It's also terrific with tall ornamental grasses behind it. Never mind where you put it; just plant it!

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