Catmint: A fragrant and hardy perennial for your garden

Gardening is one of the most popular activities as it makes outdoor areas bright and attractive, induces peacefulness, and benefits the environment. Planting different species, from flowers and vegetables to herbs, can help people relate to nature and provide a sense of satisfaction and relaxation. Catmint (Nepeta) is one thriving plant in home gardens. It is a low care plant that can offer beauty and benefits for wildlife.

The major highlights of this plant are the soft silvery-green foliage and gentle lavender-blue flowers. The blooming flowers give garden beds and borders a soft and flowing aesthetic look. It is perfect for gardeners who are just planting after some years of experience because Catmint's growth can be achieved under various conditions. This firm plant enhances the essence of any garden with elegant fragrance.

Growcycle has comprehensive guides for hardy perennial plants like Russian Sage and Lamb's Ear. The guides include soil preparation, planting techniques, watering schedules, and maintenance tips to ensure the plants grow vigorously. 

Botanical Background and History

Catmint belongs to the Nepeta genus of the Lamiaceae family, which makes it a relative of well-known aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage. The most popular species in gardens is Nepeta × faassenii, a hybrid with durable flowers and drought resistance. Nepeta cataria, more commonly known as catnip, is primarily recognized for attracting cats. Since catmint is still a cat-attractant, it is not as effective at pulling in the cats as catnip, while the two have many of the same qualities.

This plant was especially popular because it offered an attractive scent and attracted a variety of pollinators in history. Catmint is famous for decorative and medicinal purposes. It has been employed as an herbal treatment for soothing digestion, nervousness, or a cold. Some cultures have taken catmint tea as a moderate sedative. Both historical periods and modern-day versions of Catmint reveal attractive variations of the plant. 

Varieties and Cultivars

This plant is also known as Nepeta and is of numerous varieties. Each variant possesses traits that make it suitable for different garden niches. Some types can be tall and sprawling, while others can be compact and tame. The following are some of the most popular and widely cultivated types of catmint:

1. Six Hills Giant

It can reach a height of 3 feet tall and a spread of 4 feet. It grows clusters of blue purple flowers on a larger tree like plant. These plants also show a significant divergence in traits from their parent plants. The leaves’ silvery-green color can capture attention from other surrounding plants.

• This is useful for border plantings that require a bushy plant to spill over the edges.
• Works well as ground cover due to its rapid growth.
• It is an excellent choice for cottage gardens because it is more sprawling and informal than ‘Walker’s Low’.

2. Walker’s Low

A flourishing catmint can reach 24-30 inches in height and spread up to 36 inches. The blooming period largely ranges from late spring to early fall, during which lavender-blue flowers can be found. Its grey-green leaves not only smell attractive but also persist throughout every season.

• It required low care due to its long flowering period. Walker’s Low is one of the most famous catmint cultivars.
• Highly appealing to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• It is water-conservative when matured.
• The term Walker’s Low is not a dwarf form but an English garden where this plant was first cultivated.

3. Junior Walker

A tidy, non-spreading form of ‘Walker’s Low,’ growing to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) high with a similar spread. Like ‘Walker’s Low,’ it has lavender-blue flowers and fragrant gray-green leaves.

• It doesn't self-seed, which makes it great for tidy, orderly gardens.
• Repeat-blooming with occasional deadheading throughout the growing season.
• Ideal containers, borders, and small garden spaces.

4. Little Titch

The plant attains a height of 10 to 12 inches and a width of 12 to 18 inches. This variety bears small deep lavender blue flowers from the spring into the summer. Their compact growth is ideal for planted containers or small kitchen gardens. 

• It works well for edging paths, borders and rock gardens. 
• This variety requires little pruning when compared to others. 
• Weak forms of these flowers can still produce quite strong fragrances.

5. Blue Wonder

This is a medium-sized variety that grows 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) tall and spreads up to 24 inches (60 cm). Its frilly blue-violet flowers open in thick bouquets against bright green foliage.

• It is more upright than sprawling, thus suitable for formal garden settings.
• Short but long-lasting blooms.
• Highly successful in mass plantings for the unique sea of blue.

Unique Characteristics of Catmint

Here’s a closer look at the features that make catmint a wonder plant that should be included in any landscape:

1. Foliage

• Catmint has a soft, airy texture in garden beds because of silvery-green leaves.
• The plant retains moisture due to the slightly fuzzy surface of the leaves which gives immunity to drought.
• Depth to garden designs is added due to the silvery color contrasts with the deeper greens of other plants.

2. Flowers & Blooming Season

• Catmint also has close-packed clusters of tubular flowers in colors that vary from lavender-blue to violet and, in some yields, pink or white.
• The flowers are arranged in whorls around long, wiry stems cascading down.
• If trimmed after the first flush, some varieties rebloom in early fall. The group typically blooms from late spring through summer. 

3. Overall Growth Form

• Catmint spreads sweetly, creating a small mound or a sprawling carpet. It depends on the variety. 
• Longer forms like ‘Six Hills Giant’ have an arching habit; while dense ones like ‘Little Titch' stay conveniently contained.
• With its flowing, naturalistic growth habit, it is most at home in cottage gardens, rock gardens, or borders that prefer a relaxed, informal appearance.

4. Pleasant Fragrance for Humans

• The leaves emit a  minty, herbal fragrance when touched by humans..
• Many gardeners grow catmint along pathways, in borders, or near seating areas to enjoy its calming scent on hot summer days.
• The odor has a faint, sweet smell that is usually compared to lavender or oregano.

5. Effects on Cats and Other Animals

• Some species and cultivars such as Nepeta cataria, also known as “catnip” contain nepetalactone. Nepetalactone generates a reaction in cats. When playing with this folacin, cats may roll, rub, or be enticed to more playful activities.
• Ornamental varieties like Nepeta × faassenii, such as Walker’s low, have low quantities of nepetalactone and are less appealing to cats while still being aromatic.
• Deer favors many aromatic plants that humans detest; one of the few exceptions is catmint, which is unappealing to deer and rabbits. 

Ideal Growing Conditions for Catmint

With careful planning, catmint flourishes and adds to the landscape’s attractiveness. Choosing a good site, preparing the soil, and planting companions can make a world of difference in how well it grows and performs.

1. Choosing the Right Location

Catmint prefers full sun, which gets at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Although it can handle some shade, too little sun can lead to leggy growth and diminished blooming. It also prefers moderately fertile, well-drained, slightly sandy, or loamy soil. Waterlogged conditions will not suit it since the roots will rot with too much moisture.

Gardeners should not plant catmint in low-lying areas that hold water. If drainage is an issue, they could raise the beds or plant up slightly sloped regions. A simple drainage test before planting can avert problems down the road. If water sits in the soil for an hour after watering, amendments such as sand, compost, or gravel may need to be added.

2. Soil Preparation

Catmint isn’t too particular about soil quality, but preparing soil properly will promote healthier growth and more flowers. Breaking up compacted soil before planting makes it easier for roots to get going. It is a good source of nutrients and adds lightweight organic matter like compost while improving aeration and can be added over nutrient-depleted or heavy clay soil.

Catmint grows best in soil that is neutral to slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A soil test can tell growers whether adjustments need to be made. Adding lime can increase pH if the soil is too acidic, whereas sulfur or organic matter can be added to decrease pH if the topsoil is too alkaline.

To retain moisture and keep weeds at bay, growers can top it off with a light layer of mulch, like gravel or the shredded bark/bark soil combination. However, mulch should be kept away from a few inches at the base of the plant to prevent excess humidity, which can cause disease.

3. Companion Planting Considerations

To support a beneficial garden environment, companion planting with catmint adds the aesthetic benefits of medicinal herbs.

• Roses: Beneath roses are a natural ground cover that hides leggy stems and repels aphids.
• Echinacea (Coneflowers): It differs wonderfully from catmint due to the bright pink or purple colors.
• Lavender: As both plants flourish in similar conditions. It makes a delightful aromatic border.
• Salvia & Russian Sage: They attract many pollinating insects and their continuous bloom provides a mesmerizing effect.
• They attract many pollinating insects and their continuous bloom provides a mesmerizing effect.
• Yarrow & Coreopsis: They are sun-loving perennials that pair well with the soft flowers of catmint, which offer bold, bright colors.
• Ornamental Grasses: Their vertical structure creates depth in the garden and contrasts with catmint’s sprawling shape.

Planting Catmint: When and How to Plant

Catmint planting time is usually depends on climate and growing conditions:

1. Spring Planting (Ideal for Most Climates)

• Let plants establish roots before the heat of summer.
• Provides early-season flowers in the first year.
• Perfect for cooler climates (Zones 3 to 6).

2. Fall Planting (Ideal for Warmer Climates)

• Roots grow through the winter for faster spring growth.
• Best for mild winter climates (Zones 7–9).
• To maximize root development, prevent planting anything less than 6 weeks before the first frost.

Planting Techniques

Here is a step-by-step guide to plant catmint successfully:

1. Remove weeds and debris from the area.
2. Aerate the soil for better drainage and root access.
3. If improving the soil, add compost or sand as needed.
4. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the plant’s root ball.
5. Maintain the crown (where stems converge with roots) at the soil level.
6. These will be spaced 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) to allow proper airflow.
7. Tighter spacing (12–15 inches) promotes faster spreading for ground cover effects.
8. Water well after planting to settle the roots.
9. Spread a thin mulch for moisture retention, but keep it away from stems. 

Special Considerations

Catmint seeds, cuttings, and nursery plants are all options for gardeners, depending on what they can obtain and prefer to use.

1. Starting from Seeds

The benefits of growing from seeds are cost-efficiency and access to many cultivars. Seeds take time to establish, and some won’t flower in their first year. To improve germination rates, gardeners can resort to  cold stratification, where the seeds are exposed to freezing temperatures for two to four weeks before planting. 

2. Propagating from Cuttings

Use cuttings to propagate Catmint, create a new plant that replicates the parent plant. Cuttings planted in loamy soil will root more quickly, but require additional care.

3. Planting Nursery-Grown Plants

The quickest, simplest option is to put in nursery-raised plants, which are mature and readied to flower. Nursery plants make an immediate impression on the garden, even if they’re more expensive than seeds or cuttings.

Growing and Caring for Catmint

Once it’s established, catmint needs very little care, making it well-suited to low-maintenance gardens. With a little trial and error, gardeners can help their catmint thrive year after year:

1. Watering Requirements

• Water young plants thoroughly twice a week; once plants are established, water only when the soil is dry.
• Don’t overwater, or the roots will rot; the telltale signs are yellow leaves and mushy stems.
• Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil, suppresses weeds, and shields plant roots from extremes in temperature.

2. Fertilization and Nutrient Needs

• This will help with strong growth, so add organic compost or a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring.
• Avoid overfeeding since excess fertilizer encourages leaf growth rather than blooms.
• Feeding lightly in mid-summer can promote extended blooming and the general well-being of the plant.

3. Pruning and Deadheading

• Regular deadheading encourages more flowers and prevents energy loss to seed production.
• Trim plants back by one-third after the first bloom to maintain shape and promote reblooming.
• Cut back in late fall for a tidy appearance or leave for winter interest; trim in early spring.

4. Pest and Disease Control

• Mite and aphid pests can be managed with water sprays or insecticidal soap.
• Fungal problems can be avoided by maintaining good ventilation and controlling moisture levels.
• Remove affected leaves if a disease has undergone regression; spray with fungicide only if strictly necessary.

FAQS

Where does catmint grow best?

It is the best choice for various planting designs. Catmint prefers locations with full sun exposure and well-drained loamy soil, thriving alongside garden borders, in rock gardens, and in pollinator friendly landscapes.

What is catmint good for?

Catmint is grown to attract cat pollinators, but mainly for its leaves rich in fragrance. In addition to culinary use, catmint is used in herbal medicine and helps repel pests from the garden.

What season does catmint grow in?

Catmint actively grows and blooms from late spring to early fall. It enters dormancy in winter but returns in the spring with fresh growth and new flowers.

The Bottom Line

Catmint (Nepeta) is one of the best plants to have in the garden. It provides beauty, resilience, and ecological benefits. Its tender, silvery green leaves, and rich lavender-blue flowers are visually striking and will draw pollinators such as bees or butterflies.

It is a low-maintenance plant which requires very little care. This drought tolerant plant can perform best with plenty of sunlight, dry soil and well drained areas. In addition to its aromatic beauty that makes a garden area much more appealing, its insect and deer repelling properties are an added useful feature. People may visit Growcycle to discover more types of perennials that can enhance the garden’s beauty. 

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, specializing in sustainable agriculture. With a passion for storytelling, he highlights the latest trends, innovations, and practices that promote ecological balance and responsible farming.