Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) | Long-Blooming Drought-Tolerant Perennial

Catmint

1 Gallon

$17.00

$17.00 $8.50

1/3

Catmint

Nepeta faassenii

A long-blooming, drought-tolerant perennial with soft lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage.

$17.00

$17.00 $8.50

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Nepeta faassenii is a beloved, low-water perennial prized for its long-lasting, soft lavender-blue flowers and aromatic, gray-green foliage. This sterile hybrid (a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella) forms a dense, rounded, mounding clump of small, ovate, scalloped, fuzzy gray-green leaves that release a pleasant, minty fragrance when brushed. From late spring through summer and often into early fall, it produces an abundance of airy, branched spikes covered in small, two-lipped, tubular, lavender-blue flowers, creating a soft, billowing, wave-like effect. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Sterile and non-spreading, it will not self-seed aggressively like some other catmints. With its excellent drought and heat tolerance, deer and rabbit resistance, and long bloom season, it is an outstanding choice for sunny borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, mass plantings, and as a colorful, low-maintenance ground cover.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Small, ovate, scalloped, fuzzy, gray-green leaves with a pleasant, minty fragrance; airy, branched spikes of small, two-lipped, tubular, lavender-blue flowers, blooming from late spring through summer into early fall .
Mature Height: 1-2 ft
Mature Spread: 2-3 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 3-8 ; Sunset 1-24
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best flowering in sun)
Core Benefits: Very long bloom season, soft lavender-blue flowers, aromatic gray-green foliage, drought and heat tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant, sterile (non-seeding), attracts pollinators.
Best Uses: Sunny borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, mass plantings, ground cover, slopes, containers, edging, pollinator gardens.

Q: How long does Catmint bloom?
A: It has an exceptionally long bloom season, beginning in late spring and continuing through summer and often into early fall, providing months of soft, airy color.

Q: How large does Catmint get?
A: It forms a dense, mounding clump, typically reaching 1-2 feet in height and spreading 2-3 feet wide.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flowering?
A: For the most abundant flower display and compact growth, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate partial shade but will be less compact and flower less.

Q: Is Catmint invasive like some other mints?
A: No, Nepeta faassenii is a sterile hybrid that does not produce viable seeds and is not aggressively spreading by runners. It forms a tidy, well-behaved clump that will not take over the garden.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is highly drought and heat tolerant. Water regularly during its first year. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water. It thrives in well-drained soils and does not like wet feet.

Q: Does catmint attract cats?
A: While catnip (Nepeta cataria) is famous for attracting cats, Nepeta faassenii (Catmint) has a much weaker effect on felines. Some cats may show mild interest, but most are not strongly attracted to it.

Q: When should I prune it?
A: To encourage a second flush of blooms, shear back the spent flower spikes by about one-third after the first major bloom flush in midsummer. In late winter or early spring, cut back old foliage to the ground to make way for fresh growth.