Garden catmint 'Purrsian Blue' Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' (PBR)

Water

The most common name for Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue' is Catmint. For Catmint, it's essential to water it deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root growth. Aim to provide water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every week during active growth in the spring and summer. Reduce watering in the fall and virtually eliminate it in the winter when the plant is dormant. A good rule of thumb is to provide approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session, adjusting based on rainfall and temperatures.

Light

Catmint prefers full sun to thrive, meaning it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Catmint is in an area where it will receive ample morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun in extremely hot climates. However, it can tolerate some light shade, particularly in hotter regions.

Temperature

Catmint can survive in a range of temperatures but grows best in conditions between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to extremes can be harmful. Ensuring that the plant is well-situated to avoid the harsh winter chill and extreme summer heat is key to its vitality.

Pruning

Pruning Catmint encourages more compact growth and can stimulate a second bloom in the season. After the first flush of flowers fades, cut the plant back by about one third to one half. The best time for this is usually in the early to mid-summer, and if the plant becomes too leggy later on, it can be lightly shaped as needed. Regular deadheading of spent flowers throughout the growing season can also promote continual blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Catmint 'Purrsian Blue' prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix comprised of garden soil, compost, and coarse sand or perlite would provide proper drainage and fertility. Amending with organic matter helps retain slight moisture while also promoting aeration and root growth.

Repotting

Catmint 'Purrsian Blue' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and prevent it from becoming pot-bound. Timing is best in the spring before the onset of rapid growth, allowing the plant to settle in its new pot.

Humidity & Misting

Catmint 'Purrsian Blue' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does well in the average ambient humidity found outdoors. As a drought-tolerant plant, it does not require high humidity and can thrive even in dry conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Catmint 'Purrsian Blue' near sunny window; water sparingly.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; water moderately.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue', commonly known as Catmint, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring, when temperatures are consistently warm enough to support growth. The seedlings emerge and develop into young plants, growing vegetatively through leaves and stems. As they mature, Catmint plants begin to form flower buds, which bloom in late spring to early summer, displaying their characteristic blue to violet flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers can produce seeds, although this hybrid variety is often sterile and mainly propagated through division. As the growing season ends, Catmint enters a period of dormancy in the fall and winter, with the top growth often dying back in response to frost. The plant completes its life cycle by regenerating in the following spring from the perennial root system, beginning the cycle anew.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue', commonly known as Catmint 'Purrsian Blue', can be propagated through several methods including seed, cuttings, and division. The most popular method of propagation for this perennial plant is through stem cuttings, mainly because it can quickly produce new plants that are true to the parent form. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant has ample growth to provide cuttings without harming the parent plant. A gardener would take a 4 to 6-inch cutting (about 10-15 cm) from the tip of a healthy stem, strip away the bottom leaves, and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone before inserting it into a mix of peat and perlite. The cutting should then be kept moist and in indirect light until roots have formed, which generally takes a few weeks. After rooting, the new Catmint plants can be transferred to individual pots or a designated garden area.