Early Bird Catmint
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Early Bird Catmint - Premium #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
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$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Buying Options for Plants
Nature Hills sells a large variety of plants with several options available. Plants are offered in both potted containers and as dormant bare root without soil. Here is a helpful resource to understand your options as you create a beautiful landscape with help from Nature Hills.
Ever wonder what a larger plant will mean for your landscape? Container Sizes are really all about the age of the plant!
Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may be taller than the height minimums.
- Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.
- Popular sizes of select bare root plants is 1 foot, 18 inches, etc.
Nature Hills Container Size by Volume
Keep in mind, specific varieties and different growing conditions can affect the rate at which plants grow. Variations in size may occur.
Young Plants to 18 Months | ||
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Size | Volume | |
2"x2"x3" | Ranges from | .18 to .21 dry quarts / .198 to .23 dry liters in volume |
4.5" Container | Equal to | .65 dry quart / .72 dry liter in volume |
Sprinter Pot | Equal to | .63 dry quart / .69 dry liter in volume |
4" Container | Ranges from | .31 to .87 / .35 to .96 dry liter in volume |
6" Container | Equal to | 1.4 dry quarts / 1.59 dry liters in volume |
1 Quart | Equal to | 1 dry quart / 1.1 dry liter in volume |
5.5" Container | Equal to | 1.89 of a dry quart / 2.08 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x5" | Ranges from | .8 to 1.1 dry quarts / .88 to 1.2 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x6" | Ranges from | 1.0 to 1.3 dry quarts / 1.1 to 1.41 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x9" | Ranges from | 1.1 to 2.1 dry quarts / 1.2 to 2.3 dry liters in volume |
4"x4"x10" | Ranges from | 1.7 to 2.3 dry quart / 1.87 to 2.53 dry liters in volume |
Plants 18 Months - 2.5 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
2 Quart | Equal to | 2 dry quarts / 2.2 dry liters in volume |
#1 Container | Ranges from | 2.26 to 3.73 dry quarts / 2.49 to 4.11 dry liters in volume |
5"x5"x12" | Equal to | 3.5 to 4.3 dry quarts / 3.85 to 4.74 dry liters in volume |
Plants 2 - 4 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
#2 Container | Ranges from | 1.19 to 1.76 dry gallons / 5.24 to 7.75 dry liters in volume |
#3 Container | Ranges from | 2.32 to 2.76 dry gallons / 10.22 to 12.16 dry liters in volume |
Plants 3 - 5 Years Old | ||
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Size | Volume | |
#5 Container | Ranges from | 2.92 to 4.62 dry gallons / 12.86 to 20.35 dry liters in volume |
#6 Container | Ranges from | 5.25 to 6.01 dry gallons / 23.12 to 26.42 dry liters in volume |
#7 Container | Ranges from | 5.98 to 6.08 dry gallons / 26.34 to 26.78 dry liters in volume |
Plant Highlights
Early Bird Catmint highlights at a glance!
Plant Highlights
Plant Highlights
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Shade, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Fragrant
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer, Late Spring, Fall

Growing Zones
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.
>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions
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.
Why order from Nature Hills Nursery?
Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!