Nepeta faassenii 'Kit Cat' (25) plants
Common Name: Catmint and Catnip
Zones 3 to 8.
Full sun.
Plants reach 18 inches tall and 30 inches wide.
Growth rate: Moderate, erect herbaceous clump-forming perennial.
A dwarf nepeta that is smaller in scale in every aspect: shorter habit, smaller leaves, and smaller, but more numerous flowers. Small, grey-green leaves form a wide, dense clump that can be used as a ground cover in sunny, dry areas or rock gardens. From early through late summer, small terminal clusters of nearly true blue flowers are produced. 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, 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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