Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) – nectar-rich perennial – 11 cm pot – 25 cm tall

Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is one of the most generous bloomers: it produces its blue-lilac spikes from May until the first frosts of autumn, sometimes for five to six consecutive months. The main flowering occurs in May-June with remarkable exuberance, then a second wave, often just as dense, starts again in August-September after a light pruning of the faded stems. This ability to re-bloom makes it a particularly appreciated plant for maintaining color in the border throughout the summer.

Yes, Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is one of the most effective nectar-producing plants for European gardens. Its spikes of small tubular flowers in lilac-blue, rich in nectar and pollen, irresistibly attract honeybees, bumblebees, hoverflies and many butterfly species such as the red admiral or the small blue. By planting several plants according to the chosen pack in a continuous border, you create a real buffet for pollinators that actively contributes to the garden's biodiversity.

Nepeta faassenii is a sun-loving plant at heart: it gives its best when it enjoys at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south or southwest exposure, preferably warm and sheltered from cold winds, is perfectly suited. In partial shade, the plant survives but becomes leggy, produces fewer flowers, and its foliage loses its aromatic density. Locations at the foot of a south-facing wall are ideal because they combine radiant heat with generally well-drained soil.

Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is a fully hardy perennial that can withstand temperatures down to around -20°C when planted in the ground, covering almost the entire French territory, including continental and mountainous regions. Its foliage disappears in winter, but the rootstock remains perfectly alive in the soil and grows back vigorously with the first mild weather in February-March. In a pot on a terrace, its hardiness is slightly reduced because the roots are exposed to the cold through the container: it is advisable to protect the pot with a winter fleece or move it into a frost-free area during particularly severe winters. No special protection is necessary when planted in the ground under normal conditions.

Pruning is the secret to the long-lasting flowers of Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii). After the first major flush of flowers, between late June and mid-July, cut back the entire clump by about a third to a half its height using secateurs or even hedge shears. Within a few weeks, the plant will grow vigorously again and produce a second flush of blue-lilac flowers, often as profuse as the first, which lasts until the autumn frosts.

Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is not very demanding in terms of soil quality, making it an easy perennial to incorporate into many gardens. It prefers a light, well-drained, and even sandy substrate, poor to moderately fertile: soil that is too rich in humus or too clayey promotes lush vegetation with few flowers, and above all, standing water that is harmful to the roots. In heavy or compact soil, it is strongly recommended to incorporate coarse sand, gravel, or pumice at the time of planting to improve drainage.

Yes, Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) adapts very well to growing in pots or planters on a sunny terrace or balcony. Choose a container at least 20-25 cm in diameter per plant with good drainage (drainage holes and a layer of clay pebbles), and use a light potting mix mixed with sand to prevent waterlogging. In a pot, watering needs to be more regular than when planted in the ground, especially in summer, while ensuring that the soil never becomes waterlogged.