Catmint

Description

Nepeta – catmint

Botanical name: Nepeta (catmint)
Common names: Catmint
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial herb
Habit: Bushy, spreading, mound-forming
Pot size: 1 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 30–45cm tall × 45–60cm spread (varies with variety)
Foliage: Small, aromatic, grey-green leaves
Flowers: Spikes of lavender-blue flowers over a long period from early summer, often repeating if cut back (May–September)
Scent: Aromatic foliage
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained; poor to average; dislikes wet; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H7 (very hardy, below −20°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Open, sunny; drought-tolerant
Native range: Depending on species, native to Europe and Asia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic and safe; well known for being attractive to and enjoyed by cats

Catmint (Nepeta) is a wonderfully easy, aromatic herb forming soft mounds of grey-green foliage smothered in lavender-blue flowers all summer. Drought-tolerant and a magnet for bees, it is superb for sunny borders and edging.

GardenAdvice notes

A deservedly popular, easy-going aromatic perennial, catmint forms soft, billowing mounds of grey-green foliage smothered in hazy lavender-blue flowers over a very long summer season. Tough, drought-tolerant and thriving on poor soils, it is one of the best plants of all for bees and other pollinators, and a classic for edging paths and roses. As the name suggests, cats are often strongly attracted to it.

Growing & planting

Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil in full sun — it thrives on poor, dry soils and dislikes rich, wet conditions, which cause soft, floppy growth. Ideal for edging, gravel and sunny borders. Space about 45cm apart. It is very easy and quick to establish.

Care & maintenance

Very low-maintenance. Cut back the whole plant by about half after the first flush of flowers to keep it tidy and encourage a fresh second flush. Cut back old growth in late winter or early spring. Water only while establishing; thereafter it is drought-tolerant. Divide congested clumps in spring. Avoid rich feeding.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide clumps in spring.
• Cuttings: Take softwood cuttings in early summer.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free and robust. Its main ‘issue’ is that cats may roll in and flatten young plants; otherwise little troubles it, and it is rarely bothered by pests or disease.

Uses in the garden

Superb for edging paths and borders, underplanting and partnering roses, in gravel and Mediterranean-style gardens, wildlife and pollinator plantings, and sunny borders, where its long season of hazy blue flowers softens and unifies.

Wildlife value

One of the very best plants for pollinators: the long succession of nectar-rich flowers is hugely attractive to bees, butterflies and hoverflies throughout summer.

Toxicity & safety

Catmint is generally regarded as non-toxic and safe around people and pets, and is famously attractive to cats, who often love to roll in and nibble it.

GardenAdvice tip

Catmint is one of the most rewarding, low-effort plants you can grow — it flowers for months, thrives on poor dry soil, and hums with bees all summer. The key trick is to shear it back by half after the first flush of flowers, which tidies it up and brings a whole fresh wave of bloom. Just be warned that cats adore it and may flatten young plants by rolling in them.

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