Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas'

Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas': Pint-Sized Blue Ball for Tidy Edges

'Cat's Pajamas' looks like it just rolled out of bed and still beat everybody to brunch. A round little ball of indigo blooms with rosy purple calyxes that stay pretty after the flowers fade. LOUNGEWEAR, BUT MAKE IT FASHION.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Nepeta hybrid
• Common Name: Catmint
• Series: A Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 30–35 cm (12–14 in)
• Spread: 45–50 cm (18–20 in)
• Flowers: Indigo blue with rosy purple calyxes that stay colourful after the flowers fade
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June to September)
• Foliage: Small, aromatic, green leaves in a ball-shaped mound
• Features: Rabbit resistant
• Plant Patent: PP31127

Where to Plant: Its small, round shape makes it ideal for edging a path, lining the front of a border, tucking into a rock garden or filling a container. Plant several in a row for a crisp blue edge, and keep taller, floppy neighbours from crowding it.

Companion Plants: Armeria 'Alba' makes tidy white cushions at 15 to 20 cm in May and June along the front. Lavandula 'Grosso' grows 60 to 75 cm with purple spikes from July to September, a natural partner for blue catmint. Aster 'Pink Crush' finishes the season with pink flowers at 51 to 61 cm in September and October. All three thrive in full sun with good drainage.

Plant Care: Plant it in full sun, in average to lean, well-drained soil. It prefers the dry side and dislikes soggy winter soil. Water through the first season, then only in long dry spells. A light shear in spring keeps the mound tight. Once the first flush of flowers fades, cut it back by about half for a second round of bloom. Cut old stems down in late fall or early spring.

History: 'Cat's Pajamas' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Michigan, from a 2013 cross between the catmint 'Purrsian Blue' and a selection of Nepeta phylloclamys. It was named the 2021 Proven Winners National Perennial of the Year and was a top performer in trials at Penn State and Michigan State University.

Final Thoughts: Compact, drought tolerant and ignored by deer and rabbits. Plant it at the front of the bed. NAPS ARE ENCOURAGED.