Nepeta × faassenii 'Six Hills Giant' (Catmint)

Common Name: Six Hills Giant Catmint, Faassen's catnip

Scientific Name: Nepeta × faassenii 'Six Hills Giant'

Plant Family: Lamiaceae

Lifecycle: Perennial

Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' is a vigorous, drought-tolerant perennial known for its long-lasting lavender-blue blooms and aromatic foliage. Growing Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' in Zone 8a fits perfectly into Mediterranean systems, where heat, dry soils, and pollinator support are key design factors. It functions as both a resilient ornamental and a practical herb with edible leaves and flowers.

For in-depth guides and curated tools, be sure to check out our Recommended Books & Resources below.

Plant Profile

Characteristic	Information
Climate Suitability	USDA Zones 5–9; Köppen Csa / Csb
Sun / Shade Needs	Full sun to light partial shade
Watering Needs	Low once established; drought-tolerant
Soil Preferences	Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor soils
Spacing & Height	0.6–0.9 m spacing; 0.6–1 m height (2–3 ft)
Propagation Method(s)	Division, cuttings
Planting Timeline	Spring or autumn
Companion Plants	Lavender, rosemary, sage, roses
Edible / Medicinal / Ecological Uses	Edible leaves/flowers, pollinator support, herbal tea
Pest / Disease Considerations	Generally pest-resistant; root rot in wet soils
Pruning / Harvest Notes	Cut back after first bloom for second flowering

Quick Plant Reference

• Care Level: Easy

• Optimal Sunlight: Full sun

• Water Needs: Low; drought-tolerant once established

• Mature Size: 0.6–1 m (2–3 ft) tall & 0.9–1.2 m (3–4 ft) spread

• Soil Type: Well-draining, light soils

• Humidity: Low to medium

• Toxicity: Non-toxic; safe around humans and pets

• Beneficial Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, hoverflies

• Health Benefits: Mild calming tea; aromatic herb

• Chilling Hours: Not required

• Pollination Requirements: Not required

Our Nepeta × faassenii 'Six Hills Giant' Application @ Tough Kraut

We picked up our Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' at a local weekly market, already growing as a dense clump with multiple stems. Instead of planting it directly, we’re splitting the plant into at least two sections. One will stay in a pot for controlled observation, while the other goes into a sunny, dry spot on the land. This approach gives us both resilience and a small propagation system right from day one.

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

1. Choose the Right Site

Select a sunny location with good airflow. Nepeta thrives in exposed, dry spots where many other plants struggle.

2. Prepare the Soil

Ensure excellent drainage. If your soil is heavy, mix in sand or plant slightly raised to avoid waterlogging.

3. Plant the Tree/Plant

Divide the clump if desired before planting. Place each section at the same depth as in the pot and water in lightly.

4. Water Consistently

Water regularly during establishment, then reduce. Overwatering is one of the few real risks with this plant.

5. Ensure Proper Pollination

Pollination is not required, but flowers will attract beneficial insects that support your entire garden system.

6. Prune Annually

After the first flowering, cut the plant back by about one-third. This encourages a second bloom and keeps the plant compact.

7. Manage Pests and Diseases

Nepeta is largely trouble-free. Watch for root rot in poorly drained soils rather than insect pressure.

8. Harvest and Store

Harvest leaves and flowers fresh for tea or drying. Best flavor comes just before full bloom.

9. Note

If your plant becomes leggy or sparse, it usually needs harder pruning or more sun. This is one of those plants that actually performs better with a bit of neglect.

Kraut Crew Insight

This is one of those plants that instantly earns its place in a Mediterranean garden. Low effort, high reward, and a constant hum of pollinators around it. If it thrives, it’s a clear signal you’re building the right kind of system.

Photos

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

March 17, 2026

Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Solving Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' Cultivation Challenges

Growing Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' in Zone 8a often leads to a few common troubleshooting questions and FAQ-style observations, especially around pruning, division, and managing growth habit. The good news: most “problems” come from overcare rather than neglect.

This plant behaves like a true Mediterranean survivor. Lean soils, sun, and occasional pruning usually outperform rich soil and constant watering.

Q: Can I divide Nepeta right after buying it?

A: Yes, and it’s actually a great idea. As long as each section has roots and stems, it will establish quickly.

Q: Why is my Nepeta floppy or spreading too much?

A: This is normal for vigorous varieties. Cut it back early in the season or grow it alongside structural plants for support.

Q: How do I get a second bloom?

A: Shear the plant after the first flowering. This resets growth and triggers a second flush within the same season.

Q: Does Nepeta really tolerate drought?

A: Very well once established. However, young plants still need watering during their first season.

Q: Can it grow in pots long-term?

A: Yes, but it prefers the ground. In pots, ensure excellent drainage and occasional trimming to prevent overcrowding.

Recommended Books & Resources

Books

• The Dry Gardening Handbook by Olivier Filippi

  A superb deep-dive for growers in summer-dry climates, packed with drought-resistant plant knowledge that makes Nepeta feel right at home instead of like a lucky accident.

• Gardening the Mediterranean Way by Heidi Gildemeister

  If you garden in heat, lean soils, and long dry spells, this is the book that helps you design smarter instead of watering harder.

• The Well-Tended Perennial Garden by Tracy DiSabato-Aust

  This is the perennial-care classic for mastering deadheading, cutting back, and timing that second flush of bloom Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' is famous for.

• The Pollinator Victory Garden by Kim Eierman

  A brilliant pick for readers who want their catmint to do more than look pretty by turning it into a real nectar stop for bees, butterflies, and the rest of the garden crew.

Resources

• Nisaku NJP650 The Original Hori Hori Weeding & Digging Knife

  This genius tool digs, cuts, transplants, and helps split rootballs with far more control than a standard hand trowel.

  
  

• Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears

  A dependable everyday pruner for cutting Nepeta stems cleanly, trimming back the first flush, and keeping the whole plant tidy without mangling soft growth.

• Fiskars Micro-Tip Pruning Snips

  Perfect for precise deadheading, fine herbal harvests, and quick little cleanup jobs when you want a second bloom without turning the plant into a haircut gone wrong.

• Tough Kraut Resources

  Explore our handpicked pruning tools, propagation gear, and drought-smart garden essentials to make growing, dividing, and maintaining plants like Nepeta 'Six Hills Giant' simpler, cleaner, and more productive.

Entry last updated: 2026-03-17

This post is part of the Tough Kraut Plant Library, documenting what really grows on our off-grid homestead in Central Portugal.