Neptune Catmint

Name: Neptune Catmint
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 21529
Price: 33.01 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Nepeta kubanica 'Bokratune'

Nature Hills Nursery

$33⁰¹

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Neptune Catmint thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct light daily to maintain its compact shape and deep blue flower color. While it can handle partial shade in hotter climates, too much shade often leads to floppy stems and fewer blossoms.
Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil and isn't picky about pH, though it hates "wet feet." If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost or coarse sand to improve drainage and prevent root rot during the winter.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Neptune Catmint twice a week to help the roots settle into their new home. Once the plant is mature and established, it is remarkably drought tolerant and typically only needs a deep soak during extended dry spells. Inconsistent watering or overly saturated soil can lead to stunted growth and a lack of the signature aromatic oils in the foliage.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on new wood, you should shear the entire plant back by half after the first flush of flowers fades in early summer. This "haircut" encourages a fresh crop of foliage and a second round of blooms, preventing the center of the plant from opening up and looking messy. In late winter or very early spring, cut the dead stems back to the ground to make way for new growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring as new green growth appears to fuel the season's flower production. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this promotes tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. Too much nitrogen can also result in plenty of leaves but very few of the blue flowers you want.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Little dwarf - Bold big blue blooms! The large-flowered Neptune Catmint (Nepeta kubanica 'Bokratune') has an upright growth habit that stays small! Quick to rebloom, enjoy waves of blossoms throughout the spring and summer, and Neptune even sports some fall color! The pollinators will be flocking to your garden and you will enjoy loads of ornamental flowering blooms for unique bouquets!

Dramatic violet-blue flowers rise over dwarf mounds of textured, dark-green foliage! Top to bottom they're highly aromatic! Unlike other Catmint that typically have sage-green foliage, Neptune stands out large and in charge with its darker leaves that are crowned in much larger, purple flower spikes!

Incredibly hardy and versatile throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 10, there is little these tough-as-nails herbaceous perennials can't handle!

How to Use Neptune Catmint In The Landscape

Gorgeous garden plants, Neptune's small size, and long-bloom time make them incredible container and planter additions! Any sunny balcony or porch pot will gain an upright filler and thriller!

Mix this Herbal relation among Perennial, Pollinator and Rock gardens, Cottage gardens and Cut flower beds or a sunny balcony and patio without sacrificing space! The strong square stems will hold the blooms aloft for all to enjoy!

Catmints are perfect border plants along your drive or along hot, sunny pathways! Even Hummingbirds will stop by to visit the tubular flowers! Don't worry though, unlike Cat Nip, Catmints are not going to have all the felines in your yard!

Textured Deep-Green Foliage
Spikes of Large Violet-Blue Flowers
Clumping Compact Dwarf Perennial
Drought Tolerant & Urban Conditions
Water-wise, Xeriscaping, Firescaping!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Full sun-loving Neptune handles light shade in hotter zones 4-10. Catmints are great fire-wise landscaping and xeriscaping plants! Handling poor or clay soil, these drought and pollution-resistant perennials grow great in any well-drained soil! Deer and rabbit resistant, these adaptable perennials thrive in all conditions except soggy soil, but water well during extended drought and summer sun! Mulch will help retain soil moisture as well as insulate the roots. Shear after the first wave blooms to encourage rebloom, and again in late winter to clean debris.

Full Sun
Almost Any Kind of Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Deadhead To Promote New Blooms
Prune Back Once Foliage Dies Back
Easy-Care & Low-Maintenance

Get bold color and compact size without sacrificing space with fragrant Neptune Catmint at Nature Hills today!

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Growing Zones 4-10

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Neptune Catmint get at maturity?

Neptune Catmint stays small with a compact, dwarf growth habit that forms neat mounds. This little perennial typically reaches 12-15 inches tall and wide at maturity. Perfect for tight spaces, borders, and containers where you want big blooms without the bulk.

What are the basic care requirements for Neptune Catmint?

Neptune Catmint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil across zones 4-10, tolerating drought, poor soil, and light shade in hot climates. This low-maintenance perennial handles urban pollution and clay soil with ease. Shop at Nature Hills for this hardy, water-wise bloomer.

Does Neptune Catmint need full sun or partial shade?

Neptune Catmint thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade in hotter zones 4-10. This adaptable perennial performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for maximum flowering. In zones 8-10, provide afternoon shade to prevent stress during peak summer heat.

Is Neptune Catmint drought-tolerant once established?

Yes, Neptune Catmint is highly drought-tolerant once established and thrives in zones 4-10. This tough perennial handles poor soils and urban conditions exceptionally well. Water regularly the first season, then reduce watering as it becomes quite water-wise.

How do I prune Neptune Catmint to encourage reblooming?

Deadhead spent flower spikes immediately after blooming to trigger Neptune's quick rebloom cycles. Cut stems back by one-third in mid-summer for fresh waves of violet-blue flowers through fall. Shop this long-blooming dwarf catmint at Nature Hills.

Will Neptune Catmint attract or repel cats?

Neptune Catmint won't attract cats like catnip does. While both are in the mint family, this ornamental catmint (Nepeta kubanica) lacks the nepetalactone compound that drives felines wild. You can plant it confidently without worrying about neighborhood cats rolling in your garden beds.

Is Neptune Catmint deer-resistant?

Neptune Catmint is deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens where deer browsing is a problem. This hardy perennial thrives in zones 4-10 and also resists pollution and drought conditions. Plant it along pathways or in borders where deer typically graze for best protection.

How is Neptune Catmint shipped—bare root or potted?

Neptune Catmint ships as a potted plant, not bare root. This hardy perennial (zones 4-10) establishes quickly from containers and can be planted throughout the growing season. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for best results.

When should I plant bare root Neptune Catmint in spring?

Plant bare root Neptune Catmint 2-4 weeks before your last expected frost date in zones 4-10. The roots need cool, moist soil to establish before warm weather arrives. Check your local frost dates and count backward to find your ideal planting window.