Nepeta (Nepeta × faassenii 'Purrsian Blue')
Nepeta × faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' is a low-maintenance perennial catmint with sky-blue flowers, thriving in zones 3-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ is a highly valued herbaceous perennial catmint celebrated for its compact habit and persistent color display throughout the summer months. This specific cultivar produces exquisite sky-blue flowers set against smoky purple calyces, making it a superb feature in numerous garden settings. As a sterile hybrid, it offers the beauty of classic Nepeta without the tendency to sprawl excessively.
Gardeners appreciate this variety of Nepeta for its robust nature and low demands. It easily manages poor soil conditions and generally deters common garden pests like deer, adding functional resilience to the landscape. The aromatic, gray-green foliage adds texture even when the plant is not in bloom.
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ provides sustained landscape interest from May right through September. Its reliability and attractive, trailing yet contained form ensure it remains a staple for borders, rock gardens, and low-maintenance perennial beds across USDA Zones 3 through 8.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Lamiaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Periwinkle blue with dark purple calyces
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ in the spring after the danger of hard frost has passed, or in early fall, ensuring sufficient time for root establishment. This plant thrives in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. While it prefers cool, moist soils, be aware that it is slightly less drought-tolerant than some other Nepeta cultivars. Site in full sun in cooler northern regions, but provide light afternoon shade in the intense heat of the deep South to prevent scorching.
Maintenance for Nepeta is generally minimal, living up to its ‘Low’ maintenance rating. Water sparingly once established; aim for dry to medium soil moisture consistency. Fertilization is rarely necessary unless the soil is exceptionally poor. Prune aggressively after the initial flush of blooms by shearing the flower spikes; this practice strongly encourages continuous flowering right up until autumn.
For a neater appearance, plants may be cut back before the first major flowering to encourage a shorter, more upright habit. In early spring, clean up any winter debris. The compact nature of Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ means it rarely requires division, though it can be done in spring if spreading becomes excessive.
Landscape Uses
The tidy growth habit of Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ makes it exceptionally versatile along border fronts where its low profile won’t obscure taller plantings. It excels in rock gardens, contrasting beautifully with the rugged stone textures, and fits perfectly within the slightly informal structure of cottage gardens. Its aromatic foliage also lends itself well to inclusion in herb gardens.
For edging pathways or defining beds, the consistent blooms provide years of low-effort color. Furthermore, this Nepeta variety performs admirably as a small-scale ground cover, especially in dry areas where drought tolerance is key. It also anchors containers well, offering a soft, mounding contrast when paired with upright architectural plants.
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. ‘Purrsian Blue’ was specifically bred to have a low compact habit growing only 1 to 1.5’ in height and spreading to 1.5 to 2.5’ across, featuring small serrate leaves and sky-blue flowers with smoky purple calyces.
Tolerances
- Deer
- Dry Soil
- Shallow-Rocky Soil
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ is rarely troubled by significant insect or disease problems, which is a major advantage for low-maintenance gardening. Deer actively avoid this plant due to the strong scent of its aromatic foliage. The primary management concern revolves around ensuring good drainage; wet, heavy winter soils can lead to root rot in any Nepeta variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Nepeta suitable for?
This specific perennial catmint, Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’, is hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 8, offering excellent cold tolerance.
How large does Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ grow?
This cultivar maintains a compact size, typically reaching 1 to 1.5 feet tall and spreading between 1.5 to 2.5 feet wide at maturity.
When does Nepeta bloom?
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ blooms profusely from May through September, offering continuous periwinkle blue flowers with dark purple calyces.
What sun exposure does Nepeta need?
It performs best in full sun, though it appreciates a location that receives part shade, especially in hotter climates.
Conclusion
Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ stands out as a highly rewarding, low-maintenance perennial that delivers reliable blue floral color across a long season. Its deer resistance and tolerance for dry soil make this specific Nepeta variation invaluable for sustainable garden design. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 3-8 and ensure well-drained conditions are met for optimal performance.
Companion Planting
Due to its dry soil preferences and full sun needs, Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ pairs excellently with other drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennials. Consider combining it with plants that offer contrasting textures or warmer colors, such as ornamental grasses, Sedum (stonecrop), or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia). Its low hedge-like habit also works well against the backdrop of sturdier, taller perennials like ornamental alliums or shorter Coneflowers (Echinacea).
Wildlife Benefits
This cultivar of Nepeta is highly attractive to pollinators, drawing in bees and butterflies throughout its extended bloom season. While deer avoid it, its highly aromatic foliage and nectar-rich, small blooms make it a superb addition to dedicated pollinator gardens. Planting a drift of Nepeta × faassenii ‘Purrsian Blue’ provides essential, long-lasting forage for beneficial insects from late spring through early fall.
