Early Bird Catmint – A Long-Blooming, Fragrant Delight The Early Bird Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii 'Early Bird') is a charming, long-blooming perennial that awakens the garden with its early arrival of lavender-blue flowers. This compact beauty is beloved for its aromatic, silvery-green foliage and extended bloom season, often starting weeks ahead of other Catmints. Its finely textured, semi-evergreen leaves add interest even when not in bloom, and the soft purple flowers stand out beautifully against the silvery foliage. As an early bloomer, this variety extends the floral show from late spring through fall, often reblooming with light shearing. A true magnet for pollinators, it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds while resisting deer and rabbits. Its fragrant foliage releases a pleasant scent when brushed against, making Early Bird a wonderful addition to walkways and borders. Its resilience and undemanding nature make it a must-have for gardeners looking for long-lasting color with minimal fuss. Key Features Early blooming variety, starting weeks ahead of other Catmints Lavender-blue flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds Aromatic, silvery-green foliage repels deer and rabbits Compact, dwarf-sized mounding habit (10-12 inches tall, 18 inches wide) Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established Reblooms with light pruning, extending the floral display! Landscaping Uses With a tidy, mounding form reaching 10-12 inches tall and up to 18 inches wide, Early Bird Catmint is perfect for edging garden beds or spilling over rock walls. It is an ideal choice for xeric gardens, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly landscapes! Early Bird Catmint is a compact, herbaceous perennial with a neat, mounded form, making it an excellent choice for borders, pathways, and containers. Flowering Edging along walkways, patios, and garden paths Softening Rock Gardens' hard edges and looks gorgeous spilling over retaining walls Mass plantings for a low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly groundcover Adding fragrance and texture to herb gardens and mixed Perennial borders Ideal for sun container gardening for small-space landscapes and patios Pairing with Roses, Salvias, and Ornamental Grasses for contrast Excellent for xeriscaping and urban gardens Space-saving dwarf Catmint - great for small properties and balcony gardens Care and Maintenance A member of the Mint family, this sun-loving perennial thrives in USDA zones 3-8 and is incredibly adaptable, handling heat, drought, and poor soils with ease. As a hardy, herbaceous perennial, Early Bird Catmint thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. It is highly resistant to pests and diseases, making it an easy-care addition to any garden. Planting Time: Spring or fall for best establishment. Sun Needs: Full sun for optimal flowering (at least 6 hours per day). Soil Needs: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, rocky, and poor soils. Moisture Needs: Drought-tolerant once established; prefers dry to medium moisture. Mulch: Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilization Needs: Minimal; light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer if needed. Pruning Info: Shear back spent blooms to encourage reblooming; cut back in late fall or early spring. Renewal Pruning: Trim back by one-third in midsummer to maintain shape and vigor Division Info: Divide every 3-4 years in early spring if needed to rejuvenate growth. Special Needs/Perks/Growing Tips: Deer and rabbit resistant Handles heat, humidity, and dry conditions with ease Attracts pollinators while deterring unwanted browsing pests An Early Bloomer Worth the Hype If you’re looking for a reliable, fragrant perennial that starts the show early and keeps blooming, Early Bird Catmint is your go-to choice! Its compact size, drought tolerance, and pollinator appeal make it an essential addition to any sun-drenched garden. Order now from Nature Hills Nursery, and we’ll ship at the perfect planting time for your growing zone!
