Nepeta × faassenii 'Picture Perfect' – Planting & Care Guide

About Nepeta × faassenii 'Picture Perfect'

Nepeta × faassenii 'Picture Perfect', commonly known as Catmint, is a compact, long-flowering perennial that produces masses of soft lavender-blue flowers held above aromatic silver-green foliage. Flowering from late spring through to early autumn, this improved variety has a naturally neat, rounded habit, making it perfect for borders, edging, containers and cottage gardens.

Growing to approximately 35–45cm tall with a spread of 40–50cm, 'Picture Perfect' offers months of colour with very little maintenance. The fragrant foliage is highly attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, while being generally avoided by deer and rabbits. Its tidy growth habit makes it ideal for modern gardens as well as traditional planting schemes.

Planting Guide

• Plant in full sun for the best flowering display.
• Tolerates light partial shade but flowers most freely in a sunny position.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
• Suitable for loam, sandy and chalky soils.
• Improve heavy clay soils with compost and horticultural grit before planting.
• Dig a planting hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
• Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently loosen the roots.
• Position the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently and water thoroughly.
• Apply a light layer of mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stems.
• Space plants approximately 40–50cm apart.

Care & Maintenance

Nepeta 'Picture Perfect' is a reliable, drought-tolerant perennial once established.

• Water regularly during the first growing season.
• Once established, water only during prolonged dry periods.
• Avoid waterlogged soil, particularly during winter.
• Feed in spring with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
• Avoid excessive feeding, which may encourage leafy growth with fewer flowers.
• Refresh mulch annually to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
• Remove weeds from around the base regularly.
• Shear lightly after the first flush of flowers to encourage repeat blooming.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–5 years to maintain vigour.

Pruning

Regular trimming encourages a longer flowering season.

• Shear the plant back by approximately one-third after the first flush of flowers.
• Deadhead faded blooms to promote continuous flowering.
• Cut all stems back to ground level in late autumn or early spring.
• Remove any dead or damaged growth as required.
• Divide overcrowded plants every few years to rejuvenate growth.

Growing Conditions

• Botanical Name: Nepeta × faassenii 'Picture Perfect'
• Common Name: Catmint 'Picture Perfect'
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Mature Height: 35–45cm
• Spread: 40–50cm
• Flower Colour: Lavender-blue
• Flowering Period: May to September
• Foliage: Aromatic silver-green leaves
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Hardiness: Fully hardy throughout Ireland and the UK

Ideal Uses in the Garden

Nepeta 'Picture Perfect' is an excellent choice for adding long-lasting colour and fragrance.

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed perennial borders
• Front of borders
• Edging pathways
• Gravel gardens
• Pollinator-friendly gardens
• Patio containers
• Raised beds
• Contemporary planting schemes
• Mediterranean-style gardens

It combines beautifully with Roses, Salvia, Lavender, Geranium, Alliums, Echinacea, Gaura and ornamental grasses.

Seasonal Interest

• Fresh aromatic foliage emerges in spring.
• Flower spikes begin appearing in late spring.
• Continuous lavender-blue blooms provide colour throughout summer.
• Flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators.
• Silver-green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season.
• Plants die back in winter before fresh growth emerges in spring.

Common Problems

Nepeta 'Picture Perfect' is generally healthy and trouble-free.

• Poor drainage may lead to root rot.
• Plants can become leggy if grown in too much shade.
• Powdery mildew is uncommon but may occur in humid conditions with poor airflow.
• Slugs and snails may occasionally feed on young spring shoots.
• Avoid overwatering once plants are well established.

With its compact habit, fragrant silver-green foliage and masses of lavender-blue flowers, Nepeta × faassenii 'Picture Perfect' is a superb perennial for gardens throughout Ireland. Easy to grow, drought tolerant and loved by pollinators, it provides months of colour while adding texture, fragrance and reliable performance to borders, containers and cottage garden planting schemes

• Size
  3 Ltr pot

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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