Nepeta x faassenii (Six Hills Giant Catmint)

*which catmint do I have? I think the low one, but I should check…why do they have the same name?

GIAB:

Mature Height: 2-3’ Mature Spread: 2-3’ Hardy To: 8,500’

Water: Low

Exposure: Sun

Flower Color: Lavender

Flower Season: Early to Late Summer

Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Resistant To: Deer, Rabbits

Description: This hybrid child of the Old World is among the har- diest of the catmints. Six Hills Giant is a many branched perennial with square stems sporting soft, gray-green leaves that form a thick rounded clump. Known for its long bloom season, it has abundant and vigorous lavender-colored blooms produced at the stem tips and upper leaf axils all summer long. Although its stems are 2-3’ in length, its arching habit brings the height down to 18-24”. Six Hills Giant prefers dry-ish, not particularly fertile soil, and its seeds are sterile so it won’t spread. When the stems are broken, they release an aroma that tends to attract cats; hence, its common name, “catmint.”

Care: Trim plant back by 1/2 to 2/3 after flowering in July to keep plant’s shape and encourage a second flowering in August and

late summer. Leave foliage on in winter, and cut the plant back to 4-6” in spring in order to help protect its roots. Can divide every 3-4 years. Since the stems can end up leaning away from the middle of the plant leaving a hole in the center, you may want to support the plant with a metal ring or stakes and twine.

Fun Fact: The gray-green leaves of catmint can be harvested and dried for use in potpourri! Also, its distilled oil has been used for mosquito control.