Product Description
Nepeta faassenii 'Six Hills Giant'Common Name: Catmint and Catnip
Zones 3 to 8.
Full sun.
Plants reach 24 to 36 inches tall and 15 to 18 inches wide.
Growth rate: Moderate, erect herbaceous clump-forming perennial.
Periwinkle blue flowers emerge in early through midsummer over gray-green, aromatic foliage. Although the stems of 'Six Hills Giant' are 2 to 3 feet long, the plant's arching habit brings the height down to 18 to 24 inches, if it is not staked. Related to true catnip (N. cataria), Nepetalactone is not potent enough in this variety to be a strong attraction for cats, but fragrant enough for potpourri.
Plant in average, well-drained soil. Shearing the plant back in the springtime will promote more compact growth. In addition, cutting plants back by half after their first bloom tends to stimulate a second bloom cycle.
Nepetas are one of the easiest perennials to grow as long as they are not given too much care and attention. They thrive on neglect. Too much water and/or fertilizer will engender thin floppy growth and a disappointing display. However place them in well drained, even poor soil, in full sun and these plants will reward with a magnificent display of flowers and fragrance.
Attributes: flower borders, cut flowers and foliage, drought tolerant, fragrant mass plantings and easy to grow. Attracts butterflies, bees, hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.