Catmint

Nepeta faassinii. Perennial. 12".

Attracts Pollinators

Catmint is an excellent blue flowering border plant. Grows to 12 inches in a well formed mound. If Catmint gets leggy in the summer, cut the entire plant back  to the base to allow new growth. It will return the favor with dense foliage and more blooms then ever. Tolerates a wide range of soils; grows in full sun to partial shade; flourishes in drought conditions.  Good at the base of climbing plants like clematis. Attracts bees all summer. It is thought to have been cultivated in Nepti, a Roman town, where is was used as a tea and insect repellant. 

Planting Directions: Sow seed indoors in sterile seed starting mix 6-10 weeks before transplanting to the garden. Plant seed 1/8” deep with a soil temperature of 60° to 70°. Direct sow in the garden in early spring or early fall. When plants are at least 4” tall transplant to a sunny location with well drained soil. Space plants 10” to 12” apart. Water moderate until plants are established. Nepeta plants require little water once established. Leaves can be cut at any time but wait until plants have put on at least 10” of growth.  Shear plants after full bloom to encourage another blooming period.