Faassen’s Catnip
(Nepeta ×faassenii)
Faassen’s Catnip (Nepeta ×faassenii)
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CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo by: © psweet | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: psweet | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Nepeta ×faassenii, commonly known as Faassen’s Catnip, is a perennial herb that is an artificial hybrid resulting from the cross between N. nepetella and N. racemosa. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has been widely cultivated elsewhere. This plant typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a spread of 1.5-3 feet (0.5-0.9 meters). Faassen’s Catnip has aromatic, gray-green foliage and produces spikes of tubular blue or purple flowers that are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The flowers are showy and bloom profusely in the spring and summer, with sporadic rebloom into fall. The plant is sterile and does not produce viable seeds.
Faassen’s Catnip is valued for its long flowering period, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators. It is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover. It is also a popular choice for herb gardens due to its aromatic leaves, which are similar to those of true catnip but are generally not as attractive to cats. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, including clay, loam, or sandy types. It requires medium amounts of water and is relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Faassen’s Catnip is valued for its long flowering period, drought tolerance, and ability to attract pollinators. It is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, and as a ground cover. It is also a popular choice for herb gardens due to its aromatic leaves, which are similar to those of true catnip but are generally not as attractive to cats. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, including clay, loam, or sandy types. It requires medium amounts of water and is relatively low maintenance, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While generally disease-resistant, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to the Mediterranean region and widely cultivated
Other Names
Common Names: Catmint , Faassen’s Nepeta , Walker’s Low Catnip
Scientific Names: Nepeta ×faassenii , Nepeta nepetella x racemosa , Nepeta nepetella × racemosa , Nepeta xfaassenii , Nepeta xfaassenii , Nepeta ×faassenii
GBIF Accepted Name: