Nepeta faassenii 'Blue Wonder' (25) plants
Common Name: Catmint and Catnip
Zones 3 to 8.
Full sun.
Plants reach 12 to 15 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
Growth rate: Moderate, erect herbaceous clump-forming perennial.
Gray-green, aromatic foliage gives way to a plethora of lavender-blue flowers in early thru midsummer. The relatively short stature of this variety makes it a good candidate for the front of the border. Related to true catnip (N. cataria), nepetalactone is not potent enough in this variety to be a strong attraction for cats, but fragrant enough for potpourri.
Plant in average, well-drained soil. Shearing the plant back in the springtime will promote more compact growth. In addition, cutting plants back by half after their first bloom tends to stimulate a second bloom cycle.
Nepetas are one of the easiest perennials to grow as long as they are not given too much care and attention. They thrive on neglect. Too much water and/or fertilizer will engender thin floppy growth and a disappointing display. However place them in well drained, even poor soil, in full sun and these plants will reward with a magnificent display of flowers and fragrance.
Attributes: flower borders, containers, cut flowers and foliage, drought tolerant, fragrant mass plantings and easy to grow. Attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. |
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