Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’

Description

Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’, also known as catmint, is a vigorous perennial prized for its aromatic grey-green foliage and long-lasting lavender-blue flower spikes. With its hardy nature and generous growth, Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ is perfect for borders, wildlife gardens, and cottage-style planting schemes. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your plant thrives season after season.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The optimal time to plant Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ is in spring when the soil begins to warm. This allows roots to establish quickly before flowering.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn also works well, giving Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ time to settle before the next growing season.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Nepeta flourishes in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Choose a location with at least half a day of direct sunlight for the best display.
• Soil: Plant your Nepeta in well-drained soil. The plant dislikes waterlogged conditions, so enrich heavy soils with grit or compost to improve drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and equal depth.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost into the planting area to improve soil fertility and drainage.
3. Planting: Place your Nepeta in the hole, keeping the crown level with the soil. Backfill and firm gently.
4. Watering: Water thoroughly to help roots settle but avoid leaving the soil soggy.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Nepeta is drought tolerant. Water occasionally during prolonged dry spells, allowing the soil to dry between sessions.
• Dormant Season: Minimal watering is needed once growth slows. Only water if soil becomes very dry.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to encourage lush growth and abundant flower spikes.
• Mid-Summer: A light feed can help Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ maintain strong flowering into late summer.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove faded blooms to encourage repeat flowering and maintain a neat appearance.
• Cutting Back: In midsummer, trim Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ by one-third after the first flush of flowers to promote fresh growth and a second wave of blooms.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply compost or mulch around the base of Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Winter: A light protective mulch helps stabilise soil conditions and safeguards roots.

Supporting the Plant

Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ is naturally bushy and upright, so staking is rarely required. In exposed or windy spots, light support may prevent stems from flopping.

Final Tips

Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ is a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly perennial that provides colour and fragrance throughout summer. By planting it in sunny, well-drained soil and following this care routine, this Nepeta will reward you with vibrant lavender-blue flowers from June to August, year after year.