Catmint (Nepeta) is a genus of perennial ornamental herbs in the mint family that also includes catnip (Nepeta cataria). These easy-to-grow plants have slightly aromatic gray-green foliage with a delicate, lacy appearance. Their billowing foliage is topped with spikes of white, pink, or lavender-blue flowers. There are many different catmint cultivars and new ones are being introduced regularly.
The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8. Catmint is long-blooming, starting in early summer and repeatedly blooming throughout the season. Like many scented, gray-foliage plants, catmint is deer-resistant. It grows quickly and in most climates can be planted from spring to early fall.
Nepeta, commonly known as catmint, is an easy-to-grow perennial that thrives with minimal care. This gorgeous plant is loved by gardeners for its long bloom time, pest resistance, and adaptability. With over 250 species, there are many types of nepeta to choose from. This guide will teach you how to grow and care for this beautiful perennial in your own garden.
An Overview of Nepeta
Nepeta is a genus of flowering plants in the Lamiaceae (mint) family. It encompasses around 250 species, including the popular garden plant catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) as well as catnip (Nepeta cataria). Nepeta are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
These herbaceous perennials are extremely hardy, thriving in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-9. Mature plants reach anywhere from 1-3 feet tall and wide. Nepeta produce fragrant foliage and billowy clusters of flowers in shades of purple, blue, pink, or white. The blooms appear on upright spikes from late spring through fall.
Reasons to Grow Nepeta
There are many great reasons to grow nepeta in your garden
-
Long bloom time – Flowers persist from late spring until frost. Deadheading prolongs flowering.
-
Pest and disease resistance – Nepeta rarely bothered by pests/diseases.
-
Drought tolerance – Established nepeta are very drought tolerant.
-
Adaptability – Thrives in various soil types and light conditions
-
Attracts pollinators – Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love nepeta flowers.
-
Deer resistant – Deer don’t like nepeta’s strong scent.
-
Low maintenance – Requires very little care when established.
-
Versatile – Excellent for borders, containers, rock gardens, and more
-
Spreads slowly – Easy to control and not invasive.
How to Plant Nepeta
When to Plant
Spring or fall is the best time to plant nepeta. This gives the roots time to establish before heat or frost.
Where to Plant
Nepeta thrives in full sun but also tolerates partial shade. Well-draining soil is essential. Amend clay or sandy soils with compost to improve drainage.
Planting Procedure
-
Space nepeta plants 1-3 feet apart depending on mature size.
-
Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
-
Carefully remove the plant from its nursery pot and loosen the roots.
-
Place the root ball in the hole so the top is level with the surrounding soil.
-
Backfill the hole and water thoroughly.
Caring for Nepeta
Watering
-
Water new plants regularly until established (about 1 inch per week).
-
Once established, nepeta are very drought tolerant and don’t require watering except during periods of extreme drought.
Soil
-
Nepeta thrives in poor to average garden soil and adapts to a wide pH range.
-
Well-draining soil is essential to prevent root rot. Improve drainage if needed.
Fertilizer
-
Nepeta has low nutrient requirements. Apply a light application of compost in early spring.
-
Avoid over-fertilization which can cause floppy growth and fewer blooms.
Pruning
-
Shearing plants by 1/3 to 1/2 after initial flowering encourages a second bloom.
-
Pruning in late winter or early spring prevents cold damage to new growth.
-
Avoid fall pruning to allow plants to go dormant.
Propagation
-
Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in early summer. Dip in rooting hormone and plant in potting mix.
-
Divide congested clumps in spring or fall and replant divisions 1 foot apart.
Troubleshooting Common Nepeta Problems
Yellowing Leaves
This can indicate overwatering. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Pests like aphids may also cause yellowing.
Wilting
Insufficient water, extreme temps, and root rot can cause wilting. Water adequately and provide some shade if needed.
Leggy Growth
Over-fertilization, shade, and excessive moisture cause weak growth. Improve sunlight and drainage. Avoid fertilizer.
Few Blooms
Make sure plants get full sun. Prune back after initial flowering. Avoid rich soil and over-fertilizing.
Tips for Maximizing Nepeta Blooms
-
Grow nepeta in full sun (at least 6 hours direct sun per day).
-
Plant in lean, well-draining soil. Avoid fertilizing after the first season.
-
Cut plants back halfway in early summer to encourage reblooming.
-
Deadhead spent flower spikes to prolong bloom time.
-
Reduce water once established. Moderate drought stress enhances flowering.
-
Give afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent flower fading.
-
Choose non-flopping varieties like Walker’s Low and Junior Walker.
Popular Nepeta Varieties
There are many wonderful nepeta varieties to choose from. Here are some of the most popular:
-
Walker’s Low – 2007 Perennial Plant of the Year. Grows 2 feet tall.
-
Junior Walker – Dwarf variety at 16 inches tall.
-
Little Titch – Dense dwarf growing just 12 inches tall.
-
Six Hills Giant – Very large at 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
-
Cat’s Pajamas – Sturdy, compact variety with vivid color.
-
Purrsian Blue – Deep periwinkle flowers with purple bracts.
-
Sweet Dreams – Pink blooms with burgundy bracts. Shade tolerant.
Uses for Nepeta in the Landscape
There are many ways to utilize nepeta’s long-blooming nature and graceful form:
-
Borders andbeds – Excellent filler plant among roses, peonies, grasses.
-
Rock gardens – Cascades beautifully down stone walls and terraces.
-
Path/walkway edging – Low varieties beautifully edge paths.
-
Containers – Great for mixed planters and pots. Controls spread.
-
Ground cover – Low-growing types spread nicely but not invasively.
-
Herb gardens – Related to mint and features fragrant foliage.
With its graceful appearance, months of blooms, pest resistance, and adaptability to various conditions, it’s easy to see why nepeta has become a garden favorite. A virtually carefree perennial, nepeta enhances borders, containers, and more with billowy flowers that attract pollinators. With minimal care required for these tough, reliable plants, nepeta is an excellent choice for novice and expert gardeners alike.
Fertilizer
Catmint is not a heavy feeder. In the first year after planting, a handful of compost, scattered around the base of the plant in the early spring, is sufficient. In subsequent years, the plant needs no further fertilization.
Pruning
Most catmints will repeat-bloom if they are sheared back after their initial flowering. Some varieties won’t provide much of a second show, but shearing refreshes and tidies up their foliage.
Skip pruning catmint as part of the fall cleanup; instead, wait until mid-winter or early spring. Pruning catmint too early when the plant is not yet fully dormant will encourage new growth, which is susceptible to cold damage.
How to grow Catmint/Nepeta, the best way to care for #catmint #nepeta
FAQ
Should you cut back Nepeta?
Trim after flowering to neaten and encourage further flower production.
How do you maintain Nepeta?
PLANTING: Set plants 12 to 15 inches apart in full sun, preferably in well-drained soil of low fertility. MAINTENANCE: Keep soil moderately moist, but not soggy, while plants establish themselves. Cut faded flowers to encourage second bloom. We recommend a winter mulch.
Does Nepeta like full sun or shade?
Many species are excellent in the xeric (low water) garden, and they grow well in a wide range of soil types, including dry clay. They grow well with at least a half day of sun, but flower best in full sun. And for pollinators, especially honeybees, catmints are an excellent source of nectar.
How do you care for a Nepeta plant?
Average humidity is great for Nepeta species. In higher humidity settings, ensure you prune your plants for air circulation. These perennials prefer a well-draining and compost amended soil. Humus-rich, compost-amended soil that is well-draining is ideal. In the fall, add compost around the plant’s base, as that’s all the fertilizer it will need.
Should I put Nepeta cataria in my garden?
So, if you plan on having multiple varieties of Nepeta in your garden to create a beautifully-layered look or for a diversity of floral shades, you should strategically place Nepeta cataria elsewhere – away from your other plants – to encourage cats to go to that spot rather than into your prize flowerbed. Your plants will thank you.
Is Nepeta cataria good for catnip?
If you’re growing catnip solely for your cat’s use, then Nepeta cataria is perfect. Nepeta mussinii or Nepeta faassenii – catmint – is normally used less in ornamental gardens, as it has a weedy look. It’s not ugly, but many other Nepetas completely blow it away in terms of flower production and attractiveness.
How many types of Nepeta are there?
There are over 250 species of Nepeta to grow in the garden. Is there a difference between catnip and catmint? You can find out in this guide.
Where does Nepeta grow?
Your plants will thank you. The Nepeta species is native to Africa, Europe and Asia. Nepeta species originally covered a large area in Africa, all of Europe, and Asia. They have also been introduced into North America and into other places around the world.
What is Nepeta X faassenii?
Bred as a hybrid, Nepeta x faassenii, also known as Faassen’s Catmint, is a hardy member of the Nepeta genus. One of the most popular varieties of catmint, it displays gray-green foliage and lavender-blue flowers that bloom from late spring till midsummer.