Nepeta x faassenii Six Hill's Giant
Nepeta x faassenii Six Hill's Giant
The flowers are small but showy, abundant, two-lipped, trumpet-shaped, and lavender-colored.
The leaves give off a scent of mint, buckwheat, and wool (I think?), which can drive some cats completely crazy.
This has given the whole genus the nickname "catnip," though the one with greater powers is the sister Nepeta cataria.
👨🌾GARDENING TIPS👨🌾: Nepeta x faassenii Six Hill's Giant
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- Continuous blooming is encouraged by removing spent flowers.
- Make sure your soil is well draining, because while catnip can handle drought and frost - it cannot handle soggy roots!
- It is extremely drought-tolerant but prefers a bit of afternoon shade in the hot southern climates.
The Tale: Nepeta x faassenii Six Hill's Giant
The seeds of Nepeta × faassenii are predominantly sterile, so the plant will not reseed as an invasive species, unlike some other Nepeta species.
Why is it called catnip?
The nepetalactone contained in some species of the genus Nepeta binds to the olfactory receptors of cats, usually causing temporary euphoria that makes them roll and shudder with pure joy.
Other Names
Faassen's catmint
mirrinminttu
Origin
Eastern and Southern Europe
| Flowering | July, August, September, October |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Frost Tolerance | -25°C to -30°C |
| Soil | Sandy |