Catmint (Nepeta mussinii) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Catmint
Latin Name: Nepeta mussinii
Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 4–8.
Typical Height: 12–18 in (30–45 cm).
Typical Spread: 18–36 in (45–90 cm).
Bloom Period: Late spring through fall (long flowering period) May–October in temperate Northern Hemisphere.
Soil Preferences: Well drained garden soil. Tolerates dry to average soils. Neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Light Preferences: Full sun to part shade with best flowering in full sun.
Toxicity: Attractive to cats; Nepeta species are considered non toxic to cats and dogs but large ingestion may cause vomiting.
Propagation: Seed, division, and softwood cuttings. Divide in spring or fall.

Key Facts

Aromatic perennial with gray green foliage.
Spikes of purple to blue flowers over a long season.
Attracts bees and butterflies.
Tolerates dry and well drained soils.
Performs best in full sun but tolerates light shade.
Commonly used in borders, rock gardens, and mass plantings.
Foliage and flowers attract cats.

Catmint is a low aromatic perennial with gray green foliage and long spikes of purple to blue flowers. It draws bees and butterflies and works well in borders or mass plantings while tolerating dry, well drained soils and light shade. Foliage and blooms are attractive to cats which can be a garden consideration.

Identification

Catmint has soft gray green leaves and upright spikes of purple to blue flowers that open from late spring into fall in temperate climates. Mature plants typically reach 12 to 18 in tall and spread 18 to 36 in depending on cultivar and growing conditions. The scent is aromatic and noticeable when foliage is crushed.

Best uses and where to grow

Use Catmint in mixed borders, rock gardens and mass plantings where a low, long flowering perennial is wanted. It performs best in full sun and tolerates light afternoon shade. Catmint is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 and suits pollinator gardens because it attracts bees and butterflies while remaining drought tolerant once established.

Planting and spacing

Plant Catmint in spring after the risk of hard frost has passed in temperate areas. Choose a site with well drained soil and neutral to slightly alkaline pH for best vigor. Space plants about 18 to 36 in apart to allow for the typical mature spread and air circulation which helps reduce fungal problems in heavier soils.

Watering and soil

Catmint tolerates dry to average garden soils and prefers good drainage. Water regularly while plants establish then reduce irrigation as the plant matures because constant wet soil will cause root rot and poor vigor. In fertile, moist sites Catmint can grow broader and may need more frequent pruning to keep a compact habit.

After flowering care

Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage renewed bloom and a tidier plant habit. A light pruning after the main flush of flowers promotes fresh foliage and can extend the display into later months. In autumn cut plants back to a neat mound or leave a framework for winter interest and divide the clump in spring or fall if needed.

Controlling spread and naturalizing

Catmint spreads to form low mounds and can naturalize in favorable sites. Spread varies by cultivar and site fertility with warmer, well watered gardens producing broader plants. Control size by dividing every few years and by removing old flowering stems before seed set if self seeding becomes a concern.

Propagation

Propagate Catmint by seed, division or softwood cuttings. Division in spring or fall is the fastest way to preserve cultivar traits while seed raised plants may vary from named cultivars. Softwood cuttings root readily in spring and early summer and provide true to type plants when taken from healthy shoots.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Catmint grow?: Catmint grows at a moderate pace forming a low mound that reaches about 12 to 18 in high and can spread 18 to 36 in. In favorable conditions established plants will fill their space over one or more seasons.
Is Catmint safe for cats?: Nepeta species are considered non toxic to cats and dogs but large ingestion can cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. The foliage and flowers are highly attractive to many cats which can affect plant appearance.
When does Catmint bloom?: In temperate climates Catmint flowers from late spring through fall with a May to October window commonly reported. Exact timing varies with climate and cultivar and deadheading can extend the bloom period.
How far apart should I plant Catmint?: Space plants about 18 to 36 in apart or roughly 45 to 90 cm to match their typical mature spread and to allow good air flow between clumps.
How do I propagate Catmint?: Propagate by division in spring or fall, by seed or by taking softwood cuttings in spring and early summer. Division preserves named cultivar traits while seed grown plants may differ from the parent.