Nepeta nervosa blue moon, otherwise known as catmint, is a beautiful flowering plant that is sure to bring a pop of color to any garden. This hardy perennial is easy to care for and is an excellent choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
It is a low-growing plant with bright blue flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer, and it is a great choice for borders, containers, and mass plantings. The leaves of Nepeta nervosa blue moon have a pleasant aroma that cats find irresistible, making it a great choice for those looking to attract their feline friends to the garden. In this blog, we will discuss the easy care and maintenance of Nepeta nervosa blue moon, as well as its many benefits and uses.
Growing and caring for nepeta nervosa blue moon
Gardening experts all over the UK agree that Nepeta nervosa blue moon is an exquisite and beloved addition to any garden. This aromatic, drought-tolerant perennial features a variety of shades of blue, white and lavender flowers that bloom all season long.
Whether in a small garden or a large one this plant will be a standout. For the beginner, caring for the Nepeta nervosa blue moon is easy, as it can thrive in USDA hardiness zones three through eight. The plant performs best in full sunlight, but will tolerate some shade, so it can grow in any temperate climate.
It is best to plant it in a mostly dry, well-drained soil, and to keep it consistently watered throughout the growing season. During rainfall, it is important to make sure water is evenly distributed, as this flower does not normally fare well in standing water.
Fertilizing Nepeta nervosa blue moon is also important in order to promote blooming and healthy growth. Slow-release all-purpose fertilizers are best for this, and can be applied every two to three weeks during the growing season. Deadheading will also encourage the plant to produce more blooms and keep it looking vibrant.
Pruning is not necessary, but trimming the plant if it becomes too unruly will help keep its shape and size under control. In conclusion, Nepeta nervosa blue moon is an easy to care for and beautiful addition to any garden.
Its fragrant and colorful blooms will add charm to any landscape. With the proper sunlight, soil, water, and fertilizer, this plant will be sure to thrive and provide months of beauty to any garden.
Benefits of nepeta nervosa blue moon
Colours make a garden come alive; however, some can be harder to come by than others. The search for the elusive blue flower that can provide a subtle and calming presence in the garden has been ongoing for many years, but it is now possible to add the deep blue of a Nepeta nervosa blue moon to your garden.
This UK garden expert looks into the many benefits of this wonderfully vibrant flower. Nepeta nervosa blue moon is a vigorous and hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance, making it the ideal choice for gardeners wanting a low maintenance inclusion to their garden – whether it’s a perennial pot, or a tougher urban garden. This hardy nature means that the flowering period is lengthy, with some plants able to bloom from early summer until late autumn.
The unique radiating petals give this bloom an undoubtedly unique statement, evoking feelings of serene energy. Not only do Nepeta nervosa blue moon flowers look great; they are also highly attractive to butterflies and bees, making them the perfect plant to encourage wildlife into your garden.
Not only that, but they’re known to deter some pest species, including cabbage white butterflies, by releasing a strong yet pleasant smell that unfortunately they can’t stand. Finally, pairing with other flowers is incredibly easy, due to the sheer striking effect that any combination using the deep blue of Nepeta nervosa blue moon creates. The addition of lighter shades can help to accentuate its serene energy, and the promise of a unique flora combination is enough of an incentive for our UK garden expert to suggest adding domestic Nepeta nerveosa blue moon to any garden.
How to use nepeta nervosa blue moon in landscaping
Gardening with Nepeta nervosa blue moon is an increasingly popular choice to add a wow factor to any outdoor space. This unique flower goes by many names, including Catmint and Blue Moon, and it brings a unique visual appeal to gardens and plantings.
Nepeta nervosa blue moon has a compact, mounded growth habit and semi-evergreen foliage that stays green all year in some climates. The dark green foliage is very showy, and it showcases the vivid, light blue flowers that bloom in mid-spring and continue through summer. This low-maintenance plant requires little upkeep and rarely needs to be pruned.
The biggest benefit to using Nepeta nervosa blue moon in landscaping is the long-lasting blooms, especially when planted in full sun. If you are looking for an interesting and eye-catching groundcover, this flower is a great choice due to its low-growing habit and dense foliage. It is also deer resistant if that is a concern in your garden.
When designing your outdoor space, Nepeta nervosa blue moon is a versatile option to consider. This hardy flower will add texture and bright colors to gardens, cottages, borders, rock gardens, and paths.
Plant it alongside other larger flowering plants such as Lavender or Salvia for a unique look that is sure to garner attention. It is truly a beautiful, low-maintenance flower that will bring joy to your outdoor area with its bright blue blooms.
Common pests and diseases of nepeta nervosa blue moon
Nepeta nervosa blue moon is an ornamental perennial plant that is quite hardy and easy to grow, making it a beautiful addition to any garden. However, even these lovely and charming plants may suffer from various pests and diseases.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of common pests and diseases of Nepeta nervosa blue moon is essential in taking swift action to protect your plants. Common pests that may affect Nepeta nervosa blue moon include whiteflies, aphids, caterpillars, slugs, and spider mites. Whiteflies are tiny, white winged insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow, curl and drop.
Aphids are small and often transparent and can be found in colonies, sucking nutrients from young leaves and stems, causing stunted or lack of growth. Caterpillars, slugs, and snails are all voracious feeders that can quickly devour leafy foliage, leaving droopy plants. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant juices and can cause yellowing or silvering of leaf surfaces, poor growth, and overall wilting of the plant.
Common diseases that may affect Nepeta nervosa blue moon include powdery mildew, stem rot, and rust. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white or gray powdery patches on the leaves.
Stem rot is a fungal infection that can occur in moist soil, and results in wilting of leaves, yellowing, and eventual death. Rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange, yellow, or reddish-brown spots on the leaves, causing them to yellow, dry out, and eventually drop off the plant.
It is important to proactively inspect your plants and take swift action if you spot the signs and symptoms of pests or diseases. Proper pruning and discarding of affected plant parts, as well as limiting water to the plants, can all help to prevent or reduce any potential damage from common pests or diseases. Removing weeds from the area can also help to reduce the chance of pests or diseases taking hold.
You should also contact your local gardening or plant protection expert for advice on how to best protect your Nepeta nervosa blue moon.
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Bottom Line
Nepeta nervosa ‘Blue Moon’ is a beautiful, easy-to-grow perennial plant. It produces masses of soft blue flowers in late spring and summer, and its aromatic foliage makes it a great choice for herb gardens. This drought-tolerant plant is a great addition to any garden and can be used in containers, mass plantings, or as a border.
With minimal care, ‘Blue Moon’ will bring years of beauty to your landscape.
FAQ
What is the scientific name of Nepeta nervosa blue moon?
The scientific name of Nepeta nervosa blue moon is Nepeta nervosa ‘Blue Moon’.
What are the characteristics of Nepeta nervosa blue moon?
Nepeta nervosa blue moon is an herbaceous perennial with a mounding habit and bright blue flowers. It has fragrant, gray-green foliage and is drought tolerant. It is a low-maintenance plant that blooms from late spring to early summer. It is a great choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers.
How does Nepeta nervosa blue moon differ from other varieties of Nepeta?
Nepeta nervosa blue moon is a variety of Nepeta that is distinguished by its bright blue flowers and its compact, mounding growth habit. It is more compact than other varieties of Nepeta, making it a great choice for small gardens or containers. It also has a longer bloom time than other varieties, blooming from late spring to early summer.
What is the ideal climate for growing Nepeta nervosa blue moon?
The ideal climate for growing Nepeta nervosa blue moon is one with full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F and prefers cooler climates.
How often should Nepeta nervosa blue moon be watered?
Nepeta nervosa blue moon should be watered once every 7-10 days, or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
What are the benefits of planting Nepeta nervosa blue moon in a garden?
The benefits of planting Nepeta nervosa blue moon in a garden include attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a long-lasting display of blue flowers, and providing a fragrant aroma to the garden.
