Catmint

Catmint is one of the toughest perennials you can grow. It's a proven performer during hot, dry weather, and the silvery foliage and blue flowers look great most of the season. Deadhead or cut back hard after first flush of bloom to encourage more flowers. Average, well-drained soil is usually sufficient. Tall types may need gentle staking; it sometimes seeds freely.

As you might guess from the common name, catmint is a favorite of cats. They'll often roll around in the plants in delight.

Light:

Sun,Part Sun

Zones:

3-9

Plant Type:

Perennial

Plant Height:

4-36 inches tall

Plant Width:

12-24 inches wide

Landscape Uses:

Containers,Beds & Borders

Special Features:

Flowers,Attractive Foliage,Fragrant,Cut Flowers,Attracts Butterflies,Drought Tolerant,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow

Top Varieties

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'Blue Wonder' catmint

Nepeta x faassenii 'Blue Wonder' is compact at 12-15 inches tall. Its neat wrinkled leaves are grayish-green and show off the 6-inch terminal spikes of the two-lipped dark blue flowers. Zones 5-9
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Garden Plans

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Easy Street-Side Garden Plan
Formal Small-Space Garden Plan
Heirloom Garden Plan
Waterside Retreat Garden Plan
Beginner Garden for Full Sun
Extra-Easy Sun-Loving Garden Plan
Fragrant Garden
Fragrant Garden 2
Soft-Color Summer Garden Plan
Property Line Garden
Sensational Summer Garden Plan
Corner of Perennials
Season-Long Garden Plan
Tough-as-Nails Perennial Garden Plan

Plant It With

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Peony

Blooming at the same time, the sumptuous pink and rosy flowers of peonies make great partners for billowy catmint's lavender flowers in full sun.

Loosestrife

Mats of golden creeping Jenny contrast well with low sorts of catmint, highlighting their grayish foliage, loose habit, and lavender flowers.

Bee balm

In herb and butterfly gardens, bee balm is a great companion for catmint and blooms at the same time.

Propagation

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Seed
Division
Stem Cuttings