Overview
Nepeta × faassenii is a bushy, clump-forming perennial in the genus Nepeta, part of the Lamiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Nepeta × faassenii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, groundcover and rock gardens.
About the genus
Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the family Lamiaceae. The genus name, from Latin nepeta (“catnip”), is reportedly in reference to Nepete, an ancient Etruscan city. There are 295 accepted species.
Wikipedia contributors, "Nepeta", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Nepeta
In the garden
Nepeta × faassenii sits within the genus Nepeta and is cultivated as a herbaceous perennial prized for its scented leaves and regular summer flowering (June to September). The foliage scent is the plant’s principal aromatic feature, so it is often chosen where leaf fragrance can be appreciated. For best results place plants in full sun or partial shade in well‑drained, neutral to alkaline soil; the species tolerates dry to medium soil moisture and prefers a sheltered aspect. It is classed H5 (hardy), so it withstands typical UK winter conditions for a hardy perennial; position and soil drainage remain the key influences on winter survival. Keep it away from heavy, waterlogged ground. Use Nepeta × faassenii at the front of sunny borders, to form a low scented ground cover or tucked into rock gardens where free‑draining soil suits its moisture requirements. The foliage fragrance makes it a good choice beside paths or seating so the leaves are encountered and smelled. Given its combination of aromatic leaves and summer flowering, place it where both aspects — scent and season-long blooms — will be noticed by garden visitors.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Nepeta
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- dry,medium
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Nepeta × faassenii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Clump-forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, groundcover, rock gardens
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Nepeta × faassenii
- Cultivation
- Grow in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid wet soils.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Nepeta × faassenii?
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid wet soils.
Where is the best place to plant Nepeta × faassenii?
Nepeta × faassenii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Nepeta × faassenii need?
Nepeta × faassenii grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Nepeta × faassenii?
Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fresh growth.
Is Nepeta × faassenii hardy in the UK?
Nepeta × faassenii has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Nepeta × faassenii?
Division, cuttings.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Gardening Jobs for AugustA short, honest list of August garden jobs worth doing — deadheading, ordering spring bulbs, light pruning and watering where it counts. Fenn Plants’s guide.
- The Thrifty GardenGood gardens are made of time, not money. How to build one slowly and cheaply — secondhand kit, divisions, cuttings, seed and bare-root plants.
- A June Garden, in Three PalettesThree plant palettes for a British June — roses underplanted, a garden of spires, and oriental poppies while they last. Fenn Plants' guide to the early-summer garden.
More in the Nepeta genus
- Nepetacatmint
- Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant'catmint 'Six Hills Giant'
- Nepeta Grandiflora
- Nepeta govanianacatmint
- Nepeta grandiflora 'Dawn to Dusk'
- Nepeta nudanaked catmint
- Nepeta racemosa 'Superba'Dwarf Catnip
- Nepeta sibiricaSiberian catmint
