Nepeta (Nepeta × faassenii)
Discover Nepeta × faassenii, the low-maintenance perennial catmint boasting highly aromatic gray-green foliage and blue-violet blooms from May to September.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Nepeta × faassenii, commonly known as Catmint, is a highly valued herbaceous perennial prized for its long bloom season and resilience. Originating as a sterile hybrid (a cross between N. Racemosa and N. Nepetella), this variety offers gardeners a reliable splash of color from late spring well into fall. Its distinctive gray-green leaves emit a strong, pleasant aroma when brushed, making the experience of tending to your Nepeta truly multi-sensory.
This plant quickly establishes itself, forming mounds of fragrant foliage supported by slender stems bearing highly showy, blue-violet flowers. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Nepeta × faassenii is known for its extremely low maintenance needs once established, thriving in conditions that discourage many other ornamentals. It provides excellent texture and continuous color contrast in borders and rock gardens throughout the growing season.
Gardeners appreciate Nepeta for its structural habit; it generally forms a spreading clump reaching 1 to 2 feet tall and up to 3 feet wide. Its combination of drought tolerance, deer resistance, and impressive longevity makes the cultivation of Nepeta × faassenii a straightforward task for gardeners across various skill levels.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
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- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1.5-3 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Blue/violet
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
The best time to establish Nepeta × faassenii is in spring or fall, ensuring the plant can acclimate before stressful summer heat or deep winter freezes. It excels in average, well-drained soils, though it performs best overall when moisture is consistent. While it tolerates dry conditions, note that this specific Nepeta hybrid is reportedly less drought tolerant than some other varieties in the genus.
For the most abundant flowering across its long season, site plants where they receive full sun, especially in northern climates. Gardeners in the deep South should choose locations offering light afternoon shade to protect the foliage from scorching. Water needs are dry to medium; provide supplemental water during prolonged dry spells, but ensure the soil drains freely, as standing water is detrimental.
Maintenance is minimal. Deadheading or shearing the flower spikes immediately after the initial flush of blooms encourages a renewed performance throughout the summer and into September. Furthermore, cutting the plants back before the very first frost can help maintain a tidy appearance heading into winter, though they are generally quite tough.
Landscape Uses
The versatility of Nepeta × faassenii makes it an indispensable plant for borders and structured plantings. Plant it along the front edges of mixed perennial borders where its soft, mounding habit prevents stiff transitions between lawn and taller plants. It performs exceptionally well as an informal edging plant, softening hard lines along pathways or patios.
Its tolerance for dry soil and shallow, rocky substrates also makes this Nepeta a superb choice for rock gardens and xeriscaping, providing necessary color in challenging, drier areas of the landscape. Furthermore, its mounding shape is ideal for containers, where it can spill gracefully over the edges, pairing beautifully with upright structural plants or trailing annuals.
Consider planting Nepeta × faassenii near paths where the foliage can be brushed, releasing its signature aroma. It pairs well with plants sharing similar sun and soil tolerances, such as coneflowers, Russian Sage, or ornamental salvias, creating a cohesive, low-input cottage garden scheme.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Nepeta × faassenii is a sterile hybrid (N. Racemosa × N. Nepetella) perennial catmint of horticultural origin (Dutch nursery of J. H. Faassen). It typically forms a spreading clump of decumbent, ascending and upright stems rising to 18-24” tall and spreading to as much as 36” wide. Gray-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers are highly aromatic. Genus name comes from the Latin name for certain aromatic plants that included catmint.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This plant is generally very low maintenance regarding pest and disease issues, suffering from no serious insect or disease problems recognized by horticultural standards. Deer actively avoid the essential oils in the foliage, offering excellent protection against browsing animals. The primary concern for Nepeta is poor drainage; overly wet or soggy winter soil can lead to crown rot. Ensure sites have excellent drainage, especially in winter, to prevent this entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Nepeta suitable for?
Nepeta × faassenii is hardy and reliably thrives across USDA Zones 3 through 8.
How large does Nepeta grow?
Mature plants typically reach a height between 1 and 2 feet, spreading outward to achieve a width of 1.5 to 3 feet.
When does Nepeta bloom?
This perennial catmint puts on a long display of blue/violet flowers, generally blooming consistently from May all the way through September.
What sun exposure does Nepeta need?
For best flowering and compact growth, site Nepeta in full sun, though it will tolerate light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
Conclusion
The Nepeta × faassenii hybrid provides outstanding seasonal value through its reliable bloom time, deer resistance, and highly aromatic texture. As a low-maintenance perennial that thrives in dry to medium soil conditions, it is an excellent workhorse for sunny borders. Plan your planting for spring or fall and remember that regular shearing after flowering will maximize the duration of those desirable blue-violet spikes, ensuring your garden benefits from this robust Nepeta variety.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions is key to designing a vibrant, low-water perennial border where Nepeta × faassenii can shine. Pair it with plants that enjoy similar full sun exposure and well-drained conditions. Good neighbors include ornamental grasses, which offer contrasting vertical texture, such as Miscanthus or Feather Reed Grass.
For color harmonies, consider pairing the cool blue-violet flowers of Nepeta with plants sporting warm golden or yellow tones. Yarrow (Achillea) cultivars or Coreopsis varieties that bloom concurrently offer a classic, vibrant cottage garden contrast. Since this Nepeta is deer-resistant, companion planting with other deer-unpalatable herbs like Lavender or Rosemary enhances the protective qualities of the planting area.
Ensure that chosen companions do not require excessive moisture, as this could compromise the health of the Nepeta × faassenii. Plants that mature at similar heights (like Echinacea) will create a strong middle layer, while shorter varieties are perfect for massing in front to soften the edges.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation for your Nepeta involves rejuvenation after winter dormancy. Cut back the old, woody stems of Nepeta × faassenii close to the emerging new growth ground level; this tidies the plant and promotes fresh, vigorous blooming stems. Avoid heavy fertilization; an application of balanced, slow-release fertilizer is rarely necessary, as heavy feeding can lead to floppy, weak stems.
During the primary summer growing season, deadheading becomes the most important regular task. Shear off the spent flower spikes with hedge shears or trimmers—cutting back by one-third to one-half of the plant height—will trigger a new wave of fragrant flowers quickly. This method is vital for maintaining the prolific bloom cycle from May to September.
As autumn approaches, monitor moisture needs, especially if you are pruning lightly to keep tidiness. In colder zones, reduce aggressive pruning late in the season; allow some residual structure to remain for winter interest. Nepeta generally requires no special winter protection, relying on its tough hardiness zone rating (Zones 3-8) to carry it through the cold months.
