Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ is a popular perennial known for its long blooming season, vibrant purple flowers, and attractive mounding habit. This catmint cultivar is drought-tolerant once established and deer-resistant, making it a favored choice for various garden settings. It provides color and texture from late spring through fall.
Understanding Winter Dormancy
Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ is a herbaceous perennial, meaning its top growth naturally dies back as colder temperatures arrive. This process allows the plant to conserve energy and survive the cold season. During dormancy, the plant’s stems and foliage appear brown and withered.
Despite the visible decline above ground, the plant’s root system remains alive beneath the soil surface. This allows the plant to endure winter, even with significant frost. Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8, indicating its ability to withstand a broad range of winter temperatures by relying on its protected underground crown.
Preparing Your Plant for Winter
Before winter sets in, some preparation can help ensure your Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ successfully navigates the colder months. A late-season pruning is beneficial, performed after the foliage dies back. Cutting spent stems down to about 2-4 inches above the ground helps tidy the garden and can reduce overwintering sites for pests or diseases.
Ensuring proper soil moisture before the ground freezes is also important. Provide a thorough watering if autumn has been particularly dry, as adequate moisture helps protect the root system from desiccation. Applying a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or wood chips, around the base of the plant offers additional insulation. This helps regulate soil temperature and prevents heaving.
Good drainage is also important for winter survival. Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ prefers well-drained soil, which is crucial in winter to prevent water pooling around the crown, which could lead to rot. Selecting a well-draining planting site or amending heavy clay soils with organic matter before planting helps ensure roots do not sit in soggy conditions.
Winter Care and Considerations
Once Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ enters dormancy, minimal care is required during winter. These resilient perennials need very little attention, as their natural dormancy protects them from cold. Avoid disturbing the plant’s crown or roots during this period to prevent damage.
For containerized plants, additional considerations are necessary due to increased exposure to cold. If temperatures are expected to drop significantly below freezing, move them to a sheltered location, such as an unheated garage or shed. Insulating the container with burlap, bubble wrap, or by placing it inside a larger pot filled with mulch can provide extra protection.
Monitoring for extreme weather events, such as prolonged ice cover, is prudent. While snow can act as a natural insulator, excessive ice can sometimes suffocate plants. However, the plant’s hardiness within its specified zones means it is well-equipped to handle typical winter conditions without intervention.
Anticipating Spring Growth
As winter recedes and spring emerges, Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ will gradually awaken from dormancy. New shoots will sprout directly from the plant’s crown, signaling its return to active growth.
If old, dead plant material remains from the previous season, it can be cleared away in early spring to make way for new growth. Soon after, the fragrant foliage will fill out, followed by its distinctive purple flower spikes, ready for another season of beauty.