Perennial
Faassen’s catmint
Nepeta × faassenii
A clump-forming garden hybrid with aromatic grey-green leaves and violet-blue flowers from late spring into summer. Once established, it tolerates dry spells; trimming may encourage another flush.
- Size
- 0.2–0.6 m high · 0.4–0.9 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Water
- Low
- Winter
- Very hardy
- Seasonal form
- Dies back
- Maintenance
- Low
Before planting
- Choose sun or light partial shade and freely drained soil; avoid places that stay wet in winter.
- Allow space for the selected cultivar: compact forms and spreading clumps differ noticeably in size.
Why choose it
- Aromatic grey-green foliage makes a soft edge to paths and sunny borders.
- Violet-blue flowers attract bees and other pollinating insects over a long season.
Care
- Water new plants while they root; established clumps usually need little extra water unless drought is prolonged.
- If needed, trim faded stems after the main flush to keep a compact shape; this may encourage more flowers.
- Divide crowded clumps in spring or autumn; softwood cuttings are another way to retain the cultivar.
Good to know
- This hybrid is generally sterile and is propagated vegetatively; do not confuse it with true catnip, Nepeta cataria.
- Cats may be attracted to its foliage. Powdery mildew can occur, and wet soil can lead to root problems.