Neptune Catmint

Neptune Catmint (Nepeta kubanica 'Bokratune')

Neptune Catmint (Nepeta kubanica 'Bokratune') is a sun-loving perennial grown for its deep blue flower spikes and its strong, upright habit that adds structure to mixed borders. Compared with many mounding catmints, this type tends to flower on taller, more vertical stems, creating a bolder, more architectural look while still keeping the soft, aromatic foliage catmint is known for. Bloom typically begins in early summer and continues for weeks, and with deadheading or a light cutback after the first flush, it can keep producing color later into the season. With its saturated flower color and sturdy form, Neptune Catmint makes an excellent focal point in sunny beds where you want true blue tones and a plant that holds its shape.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the intense blue flowering, with upright spikes that read strongly in the landscape and pair beautifully with yellows, whites, and warm pinks. The foliage is aromatic and softly textured, helping the plant feel relaxed even though the flowering habit is more vertical. Neptune is also a strong pollinator plant, drawing bees and other beneficial insects when it is in bloom. Because it leans toward a taller, clump-forming presence, it is especially useful where you want catmint color in the middle of a border rather than only at the edge.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun is best; tolerates light shade but flowering is usually stronger with more sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; performs best in average to lean soils and does not like wet feet.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8.
• Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial with vertical flower spikes.
• Mature Size: About 24 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a mid-border blue accent where upright flower spikes can stand out above mounding plants.
• Mixed Perennial Borders: Adds structure and saturated color among coneflowers, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses.
• Pollinator Plantings: Supports bees and beneficial insects during its bloom season.
• Sunny Cottage Borders: Fits naturally with salvias, roses, and hardy geraniums for a layered, flowering look.
• Repeating Color Theme: Plant in groups to create a strong blue rhythm through sunny beds.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water consistently the first growing season; after that, water only during prolonged drought.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flower spikes to extend bloom and keep the plant looking clean.
• Cutback: Shear back after the first heavy bloom to encourage fresh growth and possible rebloom.
• Soil Management: Avoid rich, constantly wet soils, which can reduce flowering and cause decline.
• Fertilizing: Usually not needed; a light spring feeding is enough in poor soils.
• Spacing: Provide airflow to help foliage stay clean in humid weather.

Why Choose Neptune Catmint?

• Deep Blue Flower Spikes: Saturated blue blooms deliver strong color impact in sunny borders.
• Upright Habit: More vertical structure than many catmints, making it useful for mid-border placement.
• Aromatic Foliage: Soft, fragrant leaves add texture and a clean, refined look.
• Pollinator Support: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects through the season.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Combines bold blue color with a sturdy form that holds its place in mixed beds.

If you want a catmint with true blue flower spikes and a stronger, upright presence, Neptune Catmint adds focal point color and reliable structure to sunny, well-drained borders.