Faassen’s Catnip is a durable perennial, valued for its consistent performance and aesthetic appeal in diverse garden settings. It is a low-maintenance plant, making it a favorite among gardeners.
Understanding Faassen’s Catnip
Faassen’s Catnip, botanically known as Nepeta x faassenii, is a hybrid perennial. It resulted from a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella, first cultivated by Faassen Nurseries in the Netherlands. This plant typically forms a spreading clump of stems, reaching about 12 to 24 inches tall and spreading up to 36 inches wide. It features silvery-gray, aromatic foliage and produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers.
A key distinction of Nepeta x faassenii from true catnip (Nepeta cataria) is its sterility, meaning it does not aggressively self-seed and become weedy. This hybrid also boasts a significantly longer bloom time, often from late spring through autumn, and exhibits greater disease resistance. Its robust nature and refined garden presence contribute to its appeal.
Planting and Cultivating Faassen’s Catnip
Faassen’s Catnip thrives best in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes abundant flowering and compact growth. While it can tolerate partial shade, particularly in hotter climates like the deep South, flowering may be less prolific, and plants might appear more open.
The plant prefers well-draining soil and adapts to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay. Adequate drainage is important, as standing water can lead to root issues. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, typically between 6.0 and 8.0, is generally suitable, although the plant is quite adaptable.
After planting, consistent moisture is beneficial to help the plant establish its root system, usually for the first few weeks or the entire first growing season. Once established, Faassen’s Catnip becomes highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental water. Supplemental watering is primarily necessary during extended dry periods or extreme heat to maintain its vigor.
Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages continuous blooming. Deadheading spent flower spikes promotes rebloom by preventing seed formation and redirecting energy into new flowers. A more significant cutback, often referred to as the “Chelsea chop,” can be performed in late May or early June, reducing the plant by about one-third to one-half. This practice encourages bushier growth, delays flowering, and can result in a more compact plant with a second flush of blooms later in the season. Cutting back the entire plant by about two-thirds after the main flush of flowers in mid-summer can rejuvenate the foliage and stimulate a strong rebloom in the fall.
Benefits and Garden Uses
Faassen’s Catnip is highly valued for its ability to attract beneficial pollinators, including various bees and butterflies, to the garden. Its long blooming period provides a consistent nectar source for these insects. Deer and rabbits generally avoid this plant due to its aromatic foliage, making it a reliable choice in areas where these animals are a concern.
Its neat, mounding habit makes it an excellent choice for border plantings, edging pathways, or as a groundcover. It performs well in mass plantings, creating a soft, hazy effect with its silvery foliage and lavender flowers. The fine texture and soft color also provide a pleasing contrast to plants with bolder foliage or brighter blooms.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While generally robust, Faassen’s Catnip can occasionally exhibit leggy growth, especially in shadier conditions or when nutrient levels are too high. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact and attractive shape.
In highly humid environments or areas with poor air circulation, powdery mildew might appear as a white, powdery coating on leaves. Ensuring proper plant spacing can help mitigate this issue. Poorly draining soil is the primary cause of root rot, which manifests as wilting or yellowing foliage despite adequate moisture. Pest problems are infrequent for this plant due to its natural aromatic compounds, though aphids and spider mites can sometimes appear on new growth. Most issues stem from improper site selection or care practices.