How to Grow Catmint 'Persian Blue'
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Catmint 'Persian Blue'
Nepeta × faassenii 'Persian Blue'
herbPersian Blue catmint is a compact, bushy perennial known for its profusion of soft lavender-blue flowers and aromatic, gray-green foliage. This hybrid cultivar is a popular ornamental herb that attracts pollinators while remaining largely deer and rabbit resistant. It's valued for its long blooming season, low maintenance requirements, and ability to thrive in poor soils.
When should you plant Catmint 'Persian Blue' in your zone?
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Example Catmint 'Persian Blue' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Catmint 'Persian Blue'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Catmint 'Persian Blue'
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catmint 'Persian Blue' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Catmint 'Persian Blue' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Transplant
3-4 weeksSmall, tender plants with developing true leaves and initial root establishment
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Begin hardening off transplants before moving outdoors.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with gray-green, aromatic leaves. Compact mounding shape emerges.
Water moderately during establishment. Pinch back growing tips once or twice to encourage bushiness. Reduce watering frequency as roots establish.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (repeats; can bloom June through September)Abundant small, two-lipped lavender-blue flowers appear on terminal spikes. Continuous blooming throughout the season.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage extended blooming. No fertilizer needed in poor soils; excessive nitrogen reduces flowering.
Summer Dormancy/Second Flush
2-4 weeks (optional management)In hot climates, flowering may slow in peak summer heat; plant may appear slightly stressed or sparse.
Cut back by one-third to one-half in mid-summer to rejuvenate, encouraging fresh growth and a second bloom flush in fall.
Senescence/Winter Dormancy
November-MarchFoliage dies back or persists as evergreen foliage depending on climate zone. Plant enters dormancy.
In zones 3-5, cut back to ground level in fall or early spring. In warmer zones, light pruning maintains shape. Divide every 3-4 years.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with occasional misting; use horticultural oil spray if severe. Usually not problematic outdoors.
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Spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with strong water stream; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if population persists.
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and
Remove debris; apply diatomaceous earth around base. Catmint is usually resistant due to aromatic foliage.
Uses
Herbal Tea & Beverages
CulinaryDried or fresh catmint leaves make a soothing, minty herbal tea with a mild, pleasant flavor. The leaves can be infused hot or cold for refreshing beverages. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalCatmint has been used in folk and traditional medicine as a mild sedative and digestive aid. Infusions are traditionally consumed for nervousness, indigestion, and sleep support. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe abundant lavender-blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and supporting local ecosystems. [source]
Ornamental & Dried Arrangements
HouseholdPersian Blue catmint's attractive flowers and foliage add color and texture to fresh cut arrangements and dried floral crafts. Dried stems retain color and fragrance beautifully. [source]
Cat Attraction & Pet Enrichment
HouseholdLike catnip, catmint contains nepetalactone and attracts cats, providing natural enrichment and stimulation for feline companions both indoors and outdoors. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowering stems for fresh arrangements or drying anytime during bloom. Harvest foliage for tea or culinary use in morning after dew dries. For dried herb, cut stems just as flowers open, bundle, and hang dry in warm, airy location. Deadhead regularly to promote continuous flowering and neaten appearance.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Persian Blue catmint is a sterile hybrid (Nepeta × faassenii), meaning it produces little to no viable seed and thus cannot become invasive—a major advantage over some Nepeta species.
- 🌱 The plant's aromatic compounds, particularly nepetalactone, are similar to those found in catnip (Nepeta cataria), making it attractive to cats, though typically less potent than true catnip.
- 🌱 Catmint's gray-green foliage is an adaptation to drought conditions, with fine hairs on the leaves reducing water loss and reflecting sunlight, making it ideal for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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