Short-stalked catmint (Nepeta subsessilis 'Candy Cat')

Overview

Short-stalked catmint, specifically the cultivar Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’, brings reliable, season-long color to the perennial garden. This herbaceous perennial stands out with its mound-forming habit and attractive, glossy dark green foliage, providing excellent texture contrast in mixed plantings. Gardeners prize Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ for its showy, pale lavender-pink flower spikes that consistently bloom from late spring well into autumn.

Unlike some common catmints, the species Nepeta subsessilis thrives best in cooler, consistently moist soil conditions, making it a valuable selection for specific microclimates within USDA Zones 4 through 8. While it shares the aromatic qualities common to the genus, its primary appeal lies in its long bloom period and manageable size, typically reaching 2 to 2.5 feet tall. Integrating Short-stalked catmint into your garden plan ensures low maintenance coupled with vibrant display, even attracting some feline admiration.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-2.5 ft
  • Spread: 2-2.5 ft
• Bloom Time: May to September
• Bloom Description: Pale lavender-pink
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal flowering of Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’, plant in average, well-drained soil. While this variety exhibits some tolerance for dry soil and drought, species Nepeta generally performs best when provided with medium moisture, especially during hot periods. In the northern reaches of its range (Zones 4-6), establishing Short-stalked catmint in full sun is recommended to maximize bloom intensity.

Gardeners in the deep South, where afternoon heat can be intense, should opt for locations offering some light afternoon shade to prevent scorching and maintain vigor. Maintenance is wonderfully low; however, you can significantly promote new flushes of bloom by shearing the flower spikes immediately after the initial flowering period ends. A heavier cutback before the first major flowering can also encourage a more compact growth habit for the Short-stalked catmint.

Landscape Uses

The structure and long flowering period of Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ make it highly versatile. It functions beautifully as an edge plant in borders, softening transitions between pathways and taller perennials. Its tolerance for rocky soil also makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, lending a soft, mounding texture among hardscaping.

Furthermore, this selection is noted for its suitability in rain gardens, fitting perfectly where medium water needs are met consistently. For naturalized plantings, Short-stalked catmint spreads to about 2.5 feet, creating a dense, weed-suppressing ground cover that rewards sparingly if left alone. Consider pairing Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ with sun-loving companions like hardy ornamental grasses or coneflowers to complement its lavender-pink hues.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy
• Fragrant

Noteworthy Characteristics

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ typically forms a neat mound, reaching about 28 inches tall, distinguishing itself with unusually large (for nepetas) pale lavender-pink flowers. The plant features square, leafy stems clad with aromatic, toothed, glossy dark green foliage. Culturally, note that while true catnip attracts cats strongly, the leaves of this species are also appealing, albeit less intensely, to felines.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil
• Shallow-Rocky Soil

Potential Problems

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ generally proves reliable in the landscape, suffering from no serious insect or disease problems when sited correctly. The most crucial management aspect is ensuring adequate drainage, as overly saturated winter soil can lead to crown rot. Avoid planting in heavy, perpetually soggy clay unless the soil structure has been significantly amended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Short-stalked catmint suitable for?

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8.

How large does Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ grow?

This plant typically reaches a height between 2 and 2.5 feet and spreads similarly, maintaining a compact mound shape.

When does Short-stalked catmint bloom?

The long blooming season for Short-stalked catmint extends from May all the way through September, showcasing pale lavender-pink flowers.

What sun exposure does Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ need?

This catmint thrives best in full sun but will also perform well in partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Conclusion

Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ offers significant aesthetic value through its extended bloom time and highly tolerant nature, making it a low-hassle plant for most environments where moisture is adequate. If you seek reliable color and deer resistance, Short-stalked catmint is an excellent choice for perennial beds or rain gardens. Check your local USDA zone compatibility before planting this spring to ensure Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ establishes successfully.

Companion Planting

When planning placements for Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’, consider its medium water needs and love for good drainage. Pair it with other sun-to-part-shade perennials that share similar cultural habits, such as hardy Geraniums or certain varieties of Salvia that also benefit from shearing to maintain shape. Avoid placing it directly beside plants that demand consistently bone-dry conditions unless you can mitigate water differences in that specific area.

Wildlife Integration

Although primarily grown ornamentally, the flowers of Nepeta subsessilis ‘Candy Cat’ are highly attractive to beneficial insects due to their fragrant nature. Planting this variety near vegetable gardens or pollinator patches helps ensure a steady supply of nectar for bees throughout the summer months. Its foliage provides good ground cover density, which can offer incidental shelter to small beneficial insects when the plant is well-established in a border setting.