Nepeta × faassenii (N. cataria), Catnip/Catmint nep eh tah fah sen e eye

LAMIACEAE Nepeta × faassenii (N. cataria), Catnip/Catmint nep – eh – tah fah – sen – e - eye Description: Perennial with highly-aromatic green foliage, ideal for herbaceous borders, edging or as a groundcover. N. faasenii is a hybrid, sterile catmint. Origin: Europe, Asia, Africa. Height x width: 1.5 to 3 feet tall. Growth habit: Spreading and bushy. Foliage: Opposite, lanceolate to oblong-ovate, scalloped margins, pubescent, gray-green, aromatic with a mint fragrance, short petioles. Square stems that may grow upright or prostrate. Flowers: Lavender, trumpet-shaped flowers on an interrupted raceme, appear in spring and early summer. Can bloom a second time if the plant is cut back one-half its height after the first flowering period. Culture: Full sun and well-drained soil, although it will tolerate partial shade. Uses: Border or edging plant. Other facts of interest: Plants are loved by cats which will rub itself against the foliage or eat portions of the plant. Catnip reportedly repels rats. Propagation: Seed. Cultivars must be propagated by division. Related species: Several Nepeta species and numerous cultivars are available.