‘Six Hills Giant’ Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) – bee-friendly perennial – 11 cm pot – Height: 25 cm

Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is one of the most generous bloomers among perennials. It begins flowering in late May and can continue until September thanks to a simple trick: a light pruning carried out after the first wave of flowers, in June or July, triggers a second, equally abundant bloom. Its lightly scented blue-lavender flower spikes thus follow one after another for over four months, a record among border perennials. This floral longevity makes it a plant of choice for maintaining colour in the garden from early summer until autumn.

Yes, Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is one of the most drought-tolerant perennials available for our gardens. Its grey-green, slightly velvety foliage is a natural adaptation that allows it to limit evapotranspiration in hot, dry weather. Once properly rooted after a few weeks in the ground, it can withstand long periods without rain without suffering. This characteristic makes it particularly suitable for gravel gardens, rock gardens, and beds facing due south or exposed to intense summer heat.

Absolutely: Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is one of the most nectar-rich perennials in the garden. Its small, nectar-rich, lightly scented flower spikes are a preferred food source for honeybees and wild bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects. The long flowering period, from May to September, provides a continuous resource for beneficial wildlife at a time when many plants have already finished their cycle. Incorporating Nepeta into a border therefore also actively contributes to local biodiversity.

Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) can easily be grown in a pot on a south-facing terrace or balcony, provided you choose a sufficiently large container (at least 30 cm in diameter) with good drainage holes. Use a light, well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of multipurpose compost and gravel or perlite. In a pot, it will need to be watered more frequently than when planted in the ground, as the potting mix dries out more quickly, especially in summer. Make sure not to leave the pot in a saucer filled with water.

Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is an exceptional companion plant thanks to its hazy lavender-blue palette, which harmonizes with almost every color. It pairs beautifully with ornamental sage (Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna'), whose dark purple spikes create a striking contrast. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) adds pink-purple tones that warm up the composition. It can also be paired with lavender for a cohesive Mediterranean border, yellow yarrow for a very dynamic warm-cool color contrast, or shrub roses.

Yes, Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is a fully hardy perennial, capable of withstanding winter temperatures of around -20°C or lower, making it suitable for almost all regions of France, from the plains to moderate-altitude mountainous areas. Its foliage naturally dies back in autumn, but the underground rootstock remains alive and regrows at the start of spring, sometimes as early as March.

The size of the Nepeta (Nepeta faassenii) is simple and very effective for maximizing flowering. After the first major wave of flowers, generally between late June and mid-July, cut all the stems down to about half their height using pruning shears or loppers. This clean cut allows the plant to regenerate new stems that will produce a second abundant bloom in August and September.