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Growth Rate
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– Establishment: Moderate growth rate; establishes well within the first growing season.
– Mature Size: Reaches 12–14 inches in height and spreads 24–30 inches wide. |
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Colorful leaves
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Flowering
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Yes |
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Bloom Color
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Disease resistant
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Yes |
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Cold Tolerant
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Yes |
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Heat Tolerant
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Yes |
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Drought Tolerant
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Yes |
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Deer Resistant
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Yes |
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Edible
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No |
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Wildlife Attraction
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– Attracts: Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
– Resistant To: Deer and rabbits tend to avoid this plant due to its aromatic foliage. |
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Self-pollinating
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Seasonality
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– Bloom Period: Early summer to mid-fall.
– Foliage: Deciduous; dies back in winter and re-emerges in spring.
– Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–8. |
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Ideal For
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– Bee and butterfly gardens
– Cottage and border plantings
– Urban and low-maintenance landscapes
– Full sun slopes or rock gardens
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Leaf Description
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– Color: Gray-green.
– Texture: Crinkly and aromatic, releasing a pleasant scent when brushed.
– Arrangement: Opposite leaves along square stems, characteristic of the mint family. |
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Flower Description
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– Color: Blue-violet.
– Size: Larger than typical catmint flowers, providing a more substantial visual impact.
– Bloom Time: Prolific blooming from early summer through mid-fall.
– Fragrance: Mildly fragrant, adding sensory appeal to the garden. |
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Planting Instructions
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– Best Time to Plant: Spring or early fall.
– Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates average to poor soil conditions.
– Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container.
– Spacing: Space plants 15–18 inches apart to accommodate mature spread.
– Mulching: Apply a light layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. |
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Pruning & Maintenance
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– After First Bloom: Shear back by one-third to encourage a second flush of blooms.
– Late Season: Cut back spent stems to maintain a tidy appearance.
– Spring Maintenance: Remove any dead or damaged stems to promote healthy growth. |
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Water Needs
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– Establishment Phase: Water regularly to help establish a strong root system.
– Mature Plants: Drought-tolerant; water during prolonged dry periods.
– Overwatering: Avoid excessive moisture, which can lead to root rot. |
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Light Needs
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– Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight daily).
– Partial Shade: Can tolerate light shade but may result in fewer blooms. |
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Harvesting
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– Cut Flowers: Ideal for fresh arrangements; harvest when flowers are fully open.
– Drying: Can be dried for use in potpourri or herbal sachets.
– Best Time to Harvest: Morning hours after dew has evaporated, ensuring optimal fragrance and longevity. |
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Fertilizing
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– Initial Planting: Incorporate a balanced, slow-release fertilizer into the soil.
– Annual Feeding: Apply a light dose of fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous growth.
– Avoid Over-Fertilization: Excess nutrients can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering. |
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Pollination
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– Pollinators Attracted: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers.
– Self-Pollination: As a sterile hybrid, it does not produce viable seeds, reducing the risk of unwanted spreading. |
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Companion Plants
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– Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower)
– Salvia nemorosa
– Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender)
– Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
– Coreopsis verticillata
– Agastache foeniculum
– Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-eyed Susan)
– Gaillardia aristata (Blanket Flower) |
