White Flower Farm
Nepeta 'Early Bird'
Best low-maintenance perennial for sunny garden borders and pathways.
Nepeta 'Early Bird' offers a compact, low-growing charm with aromatic, gray-green foliage and striking lavender-blue blossoms. This early-blooming Catmint cultivar provides a persistent bloom for up to six weeks, reaching about 12 inches tall. It thrives in well-drained soil and is known for its durability, hardiness, and pest-free nature. Its compact form makes it ideal for garden edging or as a ground cover along sunny paths. Attracts cats, so consider protection in the first season.
$17.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1693
/ 3084
#1693 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking long-lasting color throughout the growing season
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, resilient landscape plants
- Eco-conscious gardeners looking to support local pollinator populations
Who should skip it
- Low-effort gardeners preferring plants that require no pruning
- Minimalist landscapers wanting to avoid frequent plant division
- Pet owners living in areas with high neighborhood cat populations
Performance breakdown
Bloom Longevity
Six weeks of persistent color provides reliable seasonal interest.
Maintenance Ease
Durable and pest-free nature makes this a low-effort garden addition.
Landscape Versatility
Compact mounding habit is perfect for edging or ground cover.
Pollinator Appeal
Reliably draws bees and butterflies to your sunny garden beds.
Environmental Hardiness
Robust performance across zones three through eight ensures reliable survival.
Wildlife Interaction
Strong attraction to cats requires protective measures during initial establishment.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Moderate
Light Requirement
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Fragrance Level
Mild Fragrance
Pet Safe
False
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
10-12 inches
Features
- Blooms early and persistently
- Aromatic foliage adds fragrance
- Durable and hardy plant
- Generally pest-free
- Attracts cats
- Ideal for edging and ground cover
- Low maintenance
What customers say
Customer feedback consistently highlights the superior quality and reliability of the 'Early Bird' Nepeta. Customers frequently praise the robust health and careful packaging of the plants upon arrival, setting a high standard. This variety delivers dependable, early season color with minimal maintenance, confirming its reputation as an easy to use perennial that thrives effortlessly. While the initial investment is noted, the plant's vigorous growth and long term performance solidify its value for creating reliable garden impact.
Know before you buy
This cultivar reaches a mature height of 10 to 12 inches. For the best coverage, space individual plants 8 to 12 inches apart.
Yes, like many varieties of Catmint, it can attract cats. It is recommended to provide some temporary protection for the plants during their first season until they are established.
Yes, this plant is considered deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens where deer pressure is a common concern.
It thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. It is a low-maintenance perennial that performs best when it isn't sitting in overly wet or heavy soil.
You can expect a persistent bloom period of up to six weeks. Because it is an early-blooming variety, it provides color in the garden starting in the spring.
No, Nepeta 'Early Bird' is not considered pet-safe. If you have curious pets that tend to chew on garden plants, you may want to place this variety in a location they cannot access.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$18