'Wild Orchid' Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) – nectar-rich perennial – 11 cm pot – 25 cm tall

Yes, the Wild Orchid Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is fully hardy and withstands temperatures down to around -20°C without protection. It overwinters in all regions of France, including continental areas with severe frosts. Its foliage naturally disappears in autumn, but the roots remain alive underground and grow back vigorously in spring. The only precaution to take is to avoid heavy, waterlogged soils, which pose the only real risk to this perennial in winter.

Nepeta 'Wild Orchid' blooms from June to September, providing a very long decorative season of nearly four months. The first flush of flowers is the most generous, with upright spikes of'a beautiful lilac-purple. If you cut back the stems by two-thirds after this first flowering, the plant quickly produces a second flush of flowers, thus prolonging its'ornamental appeal until'the first frosts of'autumn. This repeat flowering makes it'one of the most reliable perennials for maintaining colour in summer.

Absolutely, Nepeta Wild Orchid is a first-class nectar-producing plant. Its purple tubular flower spikes are particularly popular with honeybees and wild bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hoverflies throughout the 'summer. The aromatic fragrance of the foliage adds further appeal for many beneficial insects. Planting Nepeta in your garden makes a practical contribution to supporting local biodiversity and promoting the pollination of neighbouring plants, especially vegetables and fruit trees. I't is an essential perennial in any garden that wishes to welcome pollinating wildlife.

Pruning is key to enjoying d'ouble flowering of Nepeta Wild Orchid. After the first flush in June and July, cut the stems back by half to two-thirds of their length us'ing a 'clean pair of shears or 'secateurs. The plant will regrow within a few weeks and produce a second flush of lilac flowers through'September. In late w'inter, around March, a harder prune to 5–10 cm above the ground encourages dense, vigorous growth. This also prevents the clump from becoming bare in the centre over time. Do not cut back too late in autumn, as the stems provide some protection for the base against the cold.

Nepeta Wild Orchid (Nepeta faassenii) is not fussy about soil type, making it an adaptable and versatile perennial. It grows very well in light, well-drained soils, and even poor or stony soils, and it tolerates alkaline soils perfectly. On the other hand, it suffers in heavy, clayey, and poorly drained soils, especially in winter, where excess moisture can cause crown rot. To improve compact soil, incorporate coarse sand or gravel when planting. No rich fertilizer is necessary: soil that is too fertile promotes foliage growth at the expense of flowering.

Nepeta Wild Orchid can easily be grown in a pot or planter on a sunny terrace or balcony. Choose a container d'at least 20-25 cm in diameter, with good drainage holes at the bottom, and use a well-draining potting mix mixed with sand or gravel to prevent water l'g from stagnating. In a pot, watering will be slightly more frequent than'when planted in the ground, especially in summer. The plant can overwinter in a pot without protection in mild climates, but it is advisable to move the pot into an unheated space or protect it w'with fleece in very cold areas.

Nepeta 'Wild Orchid' pairs well with a wide variety of perennials and 'shrubs thanks to its neutral, versatile lilac tones. In a classic and highly effective combination, it complements roses (concealing the lower part of their stems) and contrasts beautifully with salvias, yellow achilleas or hardy geraniums. In a Mediterranean or gravel border, it 'pairs with lavenders, echinaceas and veronicas. With grasses such as stipa or pennisetum, it creates a light, natural and very trendy composition.