Early Bird Catmint

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.

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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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Early Bird Catmint attract bees and butterflies?
Yes! This plant is a pollinator favorite, drawing in bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms.

Is Early Bird Catmint invasive?
No, unlike true Mint plants, Catmint (Nepeta) is clump-forming and does not spread aggressively by underground runners.

Can Early Bird Catmint tolerate shade?
While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade, though flowering may be reduced.

How do I keep my Early Bird Catmint looking tidy?
Shearing back spent blooms and trimming the plant in midsummer will encourage fresh growth and reblooming.

Is this plant deer and rabbit resistant?
Yes! The aromatic foliage is unappealing to deer and rabbits, making it a great choice for wildlife-prone gardens.

Can I grow Early Bird Catmint in containers?
Absolutely! Its compact habit makes it an excellent choice for container gardening, where it spills beautifully over the edges.

Does Early Bird Catmint need to be divided?
Every few years, you may want to divide clumps in early spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.