Purrsian Blue Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)

Purrsian Blue catmint does create a full spread of flowers, but has been bred to be tidy and non-invasive. By its second year of growth, this variety of catmint will reach about two feet across, but the flowers will not surpass a height of eighteen inches. While wild catmint, or common catmint, may be invasive, Purrsian Blue stays neat, and its plants are sterile, meaning that they do not reseed as voraciously as its wild cousins.

Purrsian Blue catmint is a perennial, meaning it will return year after year! In addition to being winter-hardy and ready to return each spring, catmint is exceptional for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in sparse soil. Purrsian Blue catmint is resistant to deer and animal grazing too! Purrsian Blue catmint is an excellent option for apartment growers, too, since it is well-suited for growing in containers and does not suffer from mild air pollution.

Purrsian Blue catmint is a relatively easy-care plant, and is perfect for naturalizing. The plants can handle heat and humidity, and perform best in well-draining soil that isn't too fertile. After planting, just sit back and let the catmint grow up and out! Water your Purrsian Blue for the first year, until it is established. For mature catmint, you may wish to water during dry spells, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Purrsian Blue catmint doesn't require fertilization.

Deadheading your catmint, however, will encourage reblooming, so pick off faded flowers after they're done blooming. In the fall, cut your plants back to about half their size. Don't shear the plants all the way to the ground, but feel free to cut them back relatively far.

Wild catmint, or common catmint, is invasive—it reseeds readily, and can grow like a weed. However, most hybridized catmint varieties, like our Purrsian Blue, are sterile. So, while it may drop seeds, they won't grow into new plants.

Purrsian Blue has several other advantages over wild catmint, too. Instead of sparse, white flowers, this variety features rich periwinkle blooms that fill the entire plant. Purrsian Blue offers all of the advantages of wild catmint—a hardy nature, a scent attractive to bees and other pollinators, not to mention kitties!—with bigger blooms and no invasion concerns.

Purrsian Blue catmint does need sun. However, this type of perennial can withstand partial shade. For best results, plant your catmint in an area that receives some sun, preferably six to eight hours per day.

Do cats actually like catmint? And, what's the difference between catmint and catnip? Although the two plants are commonly confused, they are actually different plants entirely. Catnip leaves contain a compound called nepetalactone, which causes a euphoric feeling in cats. Catmint simply has a smell that kitties find appealing. They like to roll in the leaves and sniff at the flowers! Unlike most catnip species, catmint also provides tall, attractive flowers that are sure to please butterflies and bees, as well.