Catmint
Nepeta × faassenii
Unlike its cousin catnip (Nepeta cataria), catmint contains less nepetalactone — so it attracts cats less aggressively while delivering the same long bloom and drought tolerance.
How to care for catmint
Shear back by half after the first bloom flush in June for a fresh rebloom in August. Drought-tolerant once established — overwatering causes floppy growth. Ignore 'Walker's Low' is named for a garden, not its height — it grows 24 in.
Garden uses & design ideas
Best garden use
Place it in repeatable drifts through borders so the color and texture carry the eye instead of appearing as a one-off plant.
Pair it with
Rose, Lavender, Salvia make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.
Layout tip
Match it with full sun exposure, group it with other low-water plants so one irrigation zone can stay lean, and check USDA zones 3-8 before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 12-24 in tall, 18-36 in wide.
Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas.
Companion plants
Catmint grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.
Common pests & problems
Where it grows best
Native to hybrid — parents from Eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia; thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Frequently asked about catmint
What USDA zones does Catmint grow in?+
Catmint is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.
How much sun does Catmint need?+
Catmint prefers full sun. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and flowering.
How often should I water Catmint?+
Catmint has low water needs. Allow the soil to dry between waterings. Shear back by half after the first bloom flush in June for a fresh rebloom in August. Drought-tolerant once established — overwatering causes floppy growth. Ignore 'Walker's Low' is named for a garden, not its height — it grows 24 in.
How big does Catmint get?+
Catmint reaches a mature size of 12-24 in tall, 18-36 in wide. Growth rate is fast, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.
What plants grow well with Catmint?+
Catmint pairs well with Rose, Lavender, Salvia, Yarrow, Russian sage. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.
What pests affect Catmint?+
Common Catmint problems include essentially pest-free; deer- and rabbit-resistant. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.
When does Catmint bloom?+
Catmint blooms in late spring through summer (rebloomer after shear) in lavender-blue. Deadheading spent flowers (where applicable) often encourages a longer bloom window.
Design a garden with catmint in minutes
Drag plants into a 3D space, walk through it, or upload a photo and let AI redesign it. Test spacing around its mature size before you plant.
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