Nepeta × faassenii - Faassen's catnip

Faassen's catnip (Nepeta × faassenii) is a popular ornamental plant from the family of Lamiaceae. It was created as a sterile hybrid from the intersection of Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella and was cultivated for the first time in the Netherlands. Due to its robustness, maintenance and attractiveness for pollinators, she has established herself as an important garden plant.

Morphology

Nepeta × faassenii is a persistent, herbaceous plant with a compact, semi-upright up to creeping growth. It reaches growth heights of 20 to 50 cm and a width of up to 60 cm, which makes it ideal as a ground cover or outer planting.

The leaves are gray-green, oval to lanceolate and slightly serrated. They are densely hairy, which gives them a soft, felt appearance. When grinding, the leaves exude an intense, spicy fragrance, which is characteristic of Faassen's catnip.

The flowers are in the terminal shovels and appear from May to September. They are tender violet blue to lavender colors, tubular and two -lipped. The inflorescence is tight and is continuously reproduced, which guarantees a long flower duration.

Distribution and location claims

Since it is at Nepeta × faassenii It is not a cultivated hybrid, it is not wild in nature. In gardens and parks, however, it is grown as an ornamental plant worldwide. The plant prefers sunny locations, but tolerates partially shade. It thrives on well -permeable, sandy to loamy soils with medium to low nutrient content and shows a remarkable dryness tolerance.

Ecological meaning

The garden cat mint is a valuable plant for pollinators such as bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Its long -lasting flower offers nectar and pollen for months. Due to its resistance to drought and its ability to grow on lean soils, it contributes to greening and biodiversity in urban and natural gardens.

Garden culture and care

Nepeta × faassenii is an extremely easy -care and versatile plant that is often used in perennial beds, gravel gardens or as an bordering. It can be easily combined with roses, lavender and other plants. A pruning after the first flower promotes a second flower in late summer. The plant is hardy and resistant to pests and diseases.

Special features and use

The plant is also appreciated by cats due to its essential oil content, as it contains similar compounds to catnip (Nepeta cataria). People use them primarily as an ornamental plant because they, unlike Nepeta cataria, has no significant effect in medicine.