Common Name: catmint
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Lamiaceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Height: 1.00 to 1.25 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 1.75 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: Lavender-blue
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Low
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Fragrant
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Rabbit, Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil, Air Pollution
Culture
Easily grown in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Thrives in dry soils and is tolerant of drought. Plants are somewhat intolerant of the heat and humidity of the deep South where they generally appreciate some light afternoon shade. Shear flower spikes after initial flowering to promote continued bloom. Taller plants may need some support. Plants are sterile and will not self-seed. Propagate by division.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Nepeta is a genus which contains about 250 species of perennials plus a few annuals, all of which are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Plants are usually aromatic, and mostly feature sharply toothed or deeply cut leaves and whorls of blue, lavender or white flowers in elongated spikes or panicles.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for certain aromatic plants that included catmint. It may honor the city of Nepete (known as Nepi today) located north of Rome in Etruria which was the ancient country located between the Arno and Tiber Rivers and was recognized, prior to the rise of Rome, as the center of the Etruscan civilization.
'Cat's Pajamas' is a compact, floriferous selection of catmint that features lavender-blue flowers along the entire length of the stems and and an earlier bloom time compared to other varieties. The small, lavender-blue flowers bloom from near the bases of the upright stems up to the tips from late spring to early summer. Will rebloom if the stems are cut back after the initial flowering. The flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators. Mature clumps will reach up to 14" tall and spread to fill a 20" area. Plant patent number PP31127 applies to this cultivar.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Crown rot may develop in overly moist soils. Watch for powdery mildew. Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Best grown in mass plantings. Border fronts or cottage gardens. Edging along paths. Good for dry areas. Containers.