Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ is a popular catmint cultivar known for its attractive blooms, resilience, and low-maintenance nature. Its adaptability and extended flowering period make it a versatile addition to many garden settings.
Understanding Nepeta Purple Haze
Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ is a cultivar of catmint (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Purple Haze’). It forms a low, spreading mat of aromatic, grayish-green foliage that releases a fragrance when crushed.
The plant produces dense spikes of purple-blue flowers that rise above the foliage, resembling small buddleia blooms. These flowers are present from late spring through summer and into early fall, offering a continuous display. Mature plants generally reach a foliage height of 4 inches, with flower spikes extending up to 7 to 10 inches tall, and a spread of 30 to 48 inches. Its clean, mat-forming habit and extended blooming period are notable.
Planting and Growing Conditions
Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ thrives in full sun, which promotes optimal flowering and maintains a compact habit. While it tolerates some partial shade, too much shade may reduce bloom density.
It prefers well-drained soil and adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay, provided drainage is adequate. It performs best in average to lean soils and avoids rich or moist conditions, which can lead to leggy growth or crown rot.
When planting, ensure good spacing for air circulation, typically 12 to 24 inches apart. Initial watering is important for newly planted catmint to establish a robust root system. Once established, Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ is drought tolerant, requiring minimal supplemental water. This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 or 6 through 10.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
After establishment, Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ requires minimal care. It is robust and resistant to many common garden pests and diseases. Fertilization is rarely necessary, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring can be beneficial in nutrient-poor soils.
Pruning after the initial flush of blooms helps maintain a tidy appearance and encourages a second wave of flowering. This involves shearing back the plant by about one-third. Deadheading spent flowers is optional but can improve the plant’s look and extend its blooming period. In colder zones, the plant goes dormant in winter and regrows from the base in spring, requiring little specific winter care.
Benefits and Uses in the Garden
Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies, making it a beneficial addition to wildlife gardens. Its aromatic foliage also deters deer and rabbits, a significant advantage for many gardeners. The plant’s drought tolerance makes it a water-wise choice for various landscapes.
This versatile perennial can be used in many garden applications. It serves well as a border plant, groundcover, or in rock gardens due to its spreading habit, and is also suitable for mass plantings or as an edging plant along pathways. Its low maintenance and extended bloom period appeal to gardeners of all skill levels.