Little Trudy Catmint

Little Trudy Catmint (Nepeta x 'Psfike')

Little Trudy Catmint (Nepeta x 'Psfike') is a compact, sun-loving perennial grown for its tidy mound of aromatic gray-green foliage and its long season of lavender-blue flowers. It stays small and well-behaved, making it easy to use at the front of borders, along paths, and in smaller beds where you want dependable color without a plant that sprawls. Bloom begins in late spring and can continue through summer, especially when the plant is trimmed back after the first flush to refresh foliage and encourage repeat flowering. With its clean habit, soft texture, and steady bloom, Little Trudy Catmint makes an excellent focal point when you want a compact ribbon of blue that looks intentional all season.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the combination of compact size and strong flowering, delivering classic catmint performance in a plant that fits tighter layouts. Leaves are lightly fuzzy, aromatic, and gray-green, adding a calm, silvery tone that pairs well with nearly any palette. Flower spikes rise above the foliage with a light, airy look and are highly attractive to pollinators, keeping beds active through the bloom window. Little Trudy performs best in well-drained soil and typically looks its best when sheared after flowering to maintain a neat shape and promote more bloom.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun is best; tolerates light shade but flowering is usually stronger with more sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; performs best in average to lean soils and does not like wet feet.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8.
• Habit: Compact, mounding perennial with airy flower spikes.
• Mature Size: About 10 to 14 inches tall and 14 to 18 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a compact blue accent where you want steady bloom without a sprawling plant.
• Border Edging: Creates a clean, repeatable edge along walks, patios, and perennial borders.
• Small Gardens: Fits neatly into tighter spaces while still delivering strong pollinator activity.
• Pollinator Plantings: Supports bees and beneficial insects during its long flowering season.
• Companion Planting: Pairs well with roses, salvias, echinacea, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses for a balanced, sunny border.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly watered during the first growing season; after that, water only during prolonged drought.
• Shearing: Trim back after the first heavy bloom to encourage fresh growth and repeat flowering.
• Soil Management: Avoid rich, constantly wet soils, which can reduce flowering and cause decline.
• Fertilizing: Usually not needed; a light spring feeding is enough in poor soils.
• Spacing: Provide airflow to help foliage stay clean in humid weather.
• Dividing: Divide every few years if plants become woody or less vigorous.

Why Choose Little Trudy Catmint?

• Compact Habit: Stays neat and controlled for edging and front-of-border use.
• Long Bloom Season: Lavender-blue flowers provide weeks of color with repeat bloom potential after shearing.
• Aromatic Foliage: Soft, gray-green leaves add fragrance and refined texture.
• Pollinator Support: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects through the season.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Delivers tidy structure and dependable blue color in a small, easy-to-use plant.

If you want a compact catmint that stays neat and delivers a long season of lavender-blue blooms, Little Trudy Catmint adds focal point color, soft texture, and reliable performance in sunny, well-drained borders.