Common Name: nepeta
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 4 to 9
Height: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: Lavender
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Ground Cover
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Air Pollution
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Thrives in dry soils and is tolerant of drought. Site plants in full sun in northern areas. Plants are somewhat intolerant of the heat and humidity of the deep South where they generally appreciate some light afternoon shade. Shear flower spikes after initial flowering to promote continued bloom. Taller plants may need some support. Propagate by division.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Nepeta is a genus which contains about 250 species of perennials plus a few annuals, all of which are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Plants are usually aromatic, and mostly feature sharply toothed or deeply cut leaves and whorls of blue, lavender or white flowers in elongated spikes or panicles.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for certain aromatic plants that included catmint. It may honor the city of Nepete (known as Nepi today) located north of Rome in Etruria which was the ancient country located between the Arno and Tiber Rivers and was recognized, prior to the rise of Rome, as the center of the Etruscan civilization.
'Psfik', commonly sold under the trade name of LITTLE TRUDY, was bred by Brian Core of Little Valley Wholesale Nursery in Brighton, Colorado and introduced by Plant Select® in 2008. It was chosen from a group of seedlings that originated from an open-pollination cross of Nepeta amethystina var. laciniata as the seed parent and an unknown Nepeta sp. as the pollen parent. It is a compact, dwarf catnip with rippled, soft gray leaves on square stems that are aromatic when handled or crushed. It has profuse, deep lavender blossoms borne on spikes above the foliage. Selected for its low, spreading habit, 'Psfik' grows 3/4 to 1 ft. tall and 1 to 1 1/2 ft. wide. U.S. Plant Patent PP#18,904 awarded June 10, 2008.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot may develop in overly moist soils. Watch for powdery mildew. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Best grown in mass plantings. Border fronts or cottage gardens. Edging along paths. Good for dry areas. Containers.