Nepeta (Nepeta × faassenii 'Select Blue')
Nepeta × faassenii 'Select Blue' is a low-maintenance perennial catmint offering true blue blooms from May to September.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ is a highly valued herbaceous perennial, known widely as catmint, prized for its extended bloom period and attractive, true blue flowers. This sterile hybrid, Nepeta × faassenii 'Select Blue', forms tidy, spreading mounds of aromatic, gray-green foliage, providing excellent texture throughout the growing season in temperate gardens. Its low maintenance requirements and strong tolerances make it a reliable choice for mass plantings, borders, and challenging dry locations.
This specific cultivar is recognized for its compact habit, typically reaching 18 inches tall, and its superior flower color compared to older varieties. The leaves of Nepeta release a pleasant aroma when bruised, adding another sensory layer to the landscape. Gardeners rely on Nepeta for continuous color from late spring well into fall, often requiring only minimal intervention.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the hardiness and drought tolerance of Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ contribute significantly to water-wise gardening designs. It thrives where many other perennials struggle, performing reliably across USDA Zones 3 through 8, making it a foundational plant for low-care, high-impact perennial beds.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Blue
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ in any location providing average to dry, well-drained soil. While it prefers full sun for the best flower density, it tolerates light afternoon shade, especially in the hottest climates of the South. Ensure excellent drainage, as soggy winter conditions can cause issues.
Watering should be adjusted based on establishment; while young plants establishing their roots need regular moisture, established Nepeta exhibits good drought tolerance, requiring only medium water during prolonged dry spells. Fertilizing is generally unnecessary due to its low cultural needs. For the best season-long performance, shear the flower spikes immediately after the initial May to September bloom cycle finishes to encourage renewed flowering.
Because ‘Select Blue’ is a sterile hybrid, it will not self-seed, eliminating concerns about unwanted spread. Propagation is successfully achieved through division of the clump. In northern regions, site plants fully in the sun; conversely, provide light afternoon shade in the deep South to prevent scorch.
Landscape Uses
The neat, compact mound of Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ makes it an exceptional choice for defining edges and fronting borders, where its low profile will not obscure taller companions. Its durability means it is highly effective in rock gardens or planted directly into shallow, rocky soil where many other species fail.
Consider using this variety in cottage gardens to provide soft texture between larger flowering shrubs or as an informal hedge along a pathway. The plant’s resilience to dry conditions also makes it perfect for xeriscaping or filling low-maintenance beds. Furthermore, ‘Select Blue’ performs reliably in containers, offering continuous blue color that softens hardscape edges.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Nepeta × faassenii is a sterile hybrid perennial catmint known for its spreading habit and highly aromatic, gray-green leaves. The cultivar ‘Select Blue’ is compact, growing in spreading mounds up to 18 inches tall, and is specifically noted for its true blue flower color. These two-lipped blue flowers cluster densely, blooming profusely from May through September, offering continuous color when sited correctly.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
For the most part, Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ enjoys an excellent pest and disease resistance profile, meaning no serious cultural problems typically arise. Gardeners will rarely encounter issues with destructive insects or fungal outbreaks provided drainage is adequate. A significant practical benefit is that deer usually avoid browsing this aromatic foliage, earning it a high rating for deer resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Nepeta suitable for?
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 to 8.
How large does Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ grow?
This compact cultivar typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet, spreading to fill an area spanning 1 to 2 feet wide.
When does Nepeta bloom?
Nepeta features continuous blooms, typically lasting from May through September, presenting attractive blue flowers.
What sun exposure does Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ need?
This perennial thrives best when positioned in full sun but adapts well to areas receiving partial shade.
Conclusion
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ stands out as an indispensable, low-maintenance perennial, delivering reliable structure and vibrant blue blooms across an extended season. Its fragrant foliage and resistance to common garden nuisances, coupled with its sterile nature, secure its place in modern, easy-care landscapes. Before planting your Nepeta, confirm that your site offers the required well-drained soil and full sun exposure for optimal performance.
Propagation Tips
Since Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ is a sterile hybrid, seed propagation is not an option for retaining varietal characteristics. The primary and most effective method for increasing your stock is by division. Dig up the established clump in early spring or fall, gently separate the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each division has adequate roots and stems, and replant immediately. This technique refreshes older plants and allows you to place new Nepeta plants throughout your garden borders.
Companion Planting
The cultural requirements of Nepeta make it an excellent partner for many sun-loving, drought-tolerant perennials. Consider pairing the blue flowers of Nepeta × faassenii ‘Select Blue’ with warm-toned bloomers like shorter varieties of Coneflower (Echinacea) or Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) for a dynamic color contrast. Because it enjoys dry conditions, companion plants should share similar water needs; Sedum, Lavender (Lavandula), or ornamental grasses are superb choices that thrive alongside the low-maintenance needs of catmint.
