Nepeta x faassenii 'Select Blue'
 
Tried and True Recommended by 1 Professional
Common Name: nepeta
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 1 to 1.5 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: Blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers, Fragrant Flowers
Leaves: Fragrant
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought, Air Pollution, Deer

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Thrives in dry soils and is very 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. Plants are sterile and will not self-seed. Propagate by division.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Nepeta x faassenii is a sterile hybrid (N. racemosa x N. nepetella) perennial catmint of horticultural origin (Dutch nursery of J. H. Faassen). It typically forms a spreading clump of decumbent, ascending and upright stems rising to 18-24” tall and spreading to as much as 36” wide. Gray-green leaves and lavender-blue flowers are highly aromatic. ‘Select Blue’ is a compact cultivar that grows in spreading mounds to 18” tall. As the cultivar name suggests, it is perhaps best noted for the true blue color of its flowers. It features scalloped, ovate, gray-green leaves that are aromatic when crushed or bruised. Two-lipped, blue flowers densely clustered in raceme-like whorled cymes bloom from May to September. Although Nepeta cataria is the true catnip loved by house cats, the leaves of this hybrid, although somewhat less enticing, are also attractive to cats.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Rock gardens, border fronts, cottage gardens or herb gardens. Also a good plant for edging or small scale ground cover. Good for dry areas. Containers.