Is Catmint a Native Plant

Catmint (Nepeta) is not native to North America but originates from Europe, Asia, and Africa. This aromatic perennial has naturalized in many regions and offers excellent drought tolerance, pollinator appeal, and long-lasting blooms for gardeners.

If you have ever wandered through a garden center or flipped through a plant catalog, you have probably seen catmint. It shows up in sunny borders, rock gardens, and pollinator patches. The soft gray-green foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers make it a favorite. But a question often pops up. Is catmint a native plant? The short answer is no. Catmint is not native to North America. It comes from far away. Yet it has made itself at home in gardens across the continent. Let us dig into the story of this popular perennial.

Understanding where a plant comes from helps you grow it better. It also helps you make smart choices for your local ecosystem. Native plants support local wildlife in special ways. Non-native plants can sometimes cause problems. But not all non-natives are bad actors. Catmint falls into a gray area. It is not native. But it is not terribly invasive either. It offers real benefits for pollinators. And it asks for very little in return. This article will explore the origins of catmint. We will look at the different types. We will discuss how it behaves in the garden. And we will help you decide if it belongs in your yard.

Key Takeaways

• Catmint is not native to North America: It originates from Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa
• Many species exist: The genus Nepeta contains over 250 species with varying characteristics
• Naturalized in many areas: Catmint has escaped cultivation and grows wild in parts of the US
• Excellent for pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love catmint flowers
• Drought tolerant and deer resistant: Perfect for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens
• Different from catnip: Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is ornamental; catnip (Nepeta cataria) affects cats
• Easy to grow: Thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and requires minimal care once established

Quick Answers to Common Questions

Is catmint native to North America?

No, catmint (Nepeta) is not native to North America. It originates from Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

What is the difference between catmint and catnip?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a weedy species that drives cats crazy and reseeds aggressively. Catmint usually refers to sterile ornamental hybrids like Nepeta x faassenii with showy blue flowers that most cats ignore.

Does catmint spread aggressively in the garden?

Ornamental catmint hybrids are clump-forming and do not spread aggressively. They are mostly sterile and stay where planted. Catnip, however, can spread readily by seed.

Why do pollinators love catmint if it’s not native?

Catmint produces abundant nectar and pollen over a long bloom period. Generalist pollinators like bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies readily use it as a food source, especially during the June gap when fewer native plants are blooming.

Can I grow catmint in a native plant garden?

Strictly native gardens exclude catmint since it’s not indigenous. However, many ecological gardeners include it as a well-behaved, non-invasive “near-native” that supports generalist pollinators and fills bloom gaps.

What Exactly Is Catmint

Before we talk about native status, let us define the plant. Catmint belongs to the genus Nepeta. This genus sits in the mint family, Lamiaceae. There are over 250 species in this group. They share some common traits. They have square stems. They have opposite leaves. And they usually have aromatic foliage. The flowers come in whorls on spikes. Colors range from white to pink to deep violet-blue.

The Most Common Garden Catmint

When gardeners say catmint, they usually mean Nepeta x faassenii. This is a hybrid. It is a cross between Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta nepetella. Both parents come from Europe and Asia. The hybrid is sterile. It does not set seed. This means it stays where you put it. It will not pop up all over your yard. Popular cultivars include ‘Walker’s Low’, ‘Six Hills Giant’, and ‘Blue Wonder’. These plants form neat mounds. They bloom from late spring into fall. Shearing them back after the first flush brings more flowers.

Catnip Is Different

People often confuse catmint with catnip. Catnip is Nepeta cataria. It is a specific species. It is the one that drives cats wild. Catnip is weedy. It reseeds aggressively. It looks a bit rangy. It has white flowers with pale purple spots. Catmint, the ornamental kind, has showier flowers. It has a tidier habit. And most cats ignore it. Or they might roll on it a little. But they do not go crazy for it. Knowing the difference saves you from planting a cat magnet when you want a pretty border plant.

Other Nepeta Species

There are many other species worth knowing. Nepeta sibirica comes from Siberia. It is tough and upright. Nepeta grandiflora has large flowers. It hails from the Caucasus region. Nepeta subsessilis is Japanese catmint. It likes more moisture than the others. Each species brings something different. But they all share the same general heritage. They are Old World plants.

Where Catmint Comes From

So, is catmint a native plant? No. The genus Nepeta is native to a broad swath of the Old World. This includes Europe. It includes Asia, from the Mediterranean to China and Japan. It includes North Africa. And it includes the mountains of Ethiopia. There are no Nepeta species native to the Americas. None. Zero. This is a key fact. If you are planting a strictly native garden, catmint does not qualify.

The Mediterranean Connection

Many of the garden favorites come from the Mediterranean basin. This region has a specific climate. Wet, mild winters. Hot, dry summers. The soil is often rocky and lean. Plants from this region share adaptations. They have aromatic oils. These deter herbivores. They reduce water loss. They have deep or wide root systems. They go dormant in summer heat. Catmint checks all these boxes. This is why it thrives in similar climates. Think California. Think the Pacific Northwest. Think parts of the intermountain West.

How It Arrived In North America

Catmint came over with European settlers. They brought seeds and cuttings. They wanted familiar herbs and flowers. Catnip was valued for tea and medicine. Ornamental catmints came later. Nurseries imported them in the 1800s and 1900s. They were sold as hardy, long-blooming perennials. Gardeners loved them. They still do. Over time, some species escaped cultivation. Nepeta cataria (catnip) is now naturalized across much of the US and Canada. You see it along roadsides. In waste places. In fields. The ornamental hybrids like ‘Walker’s Low’ rarely escape. They are mostly sterile.

Naturalized Versus Native

There is a difference between naturalized and native. A native plant evolved in a region. It has relationships with local insects, birds, and microbes. These relationships go back thousands of years. A naturalized plant is a non-native that reproduces on its own. It survives without human help. It becomes part of the flora. But it lacks the deep evolutionary ties. Catnip is naturalized. Ornamental catmint is not really naturalized. It mostly stays in gardens. But in some areas, it may spread slowly.

Catmint And The Native Ecosystem

Since catmint is not native, does it harm the environment? This is a nuanced question. The answer depends on the species. It depends on where you live. And it depends on what you value in your garden.

Pollinator Magnet

One huge plus: pollinators love catmint. Bees swarm the flowers. Bumblebees. Honeybees. Native solitary bees. Butterflies visit. Hummingbirds sip nectar. The bloom time is long. This provides food when other sources are scarce. In a landscape full of lawn and pavement, catmint offers a lifeline. It is not a native plant. But it supports native pollinators. This is a real ecological benefit.

Specialist Versus Generalist

Some native insects are specialists. They need specific native plants. Monarch caterpillars need milkweed. Karner blue butterfly larvae need wild lupine. Catmint does not host these specialists. It feeds generalists. Generalist pollinators are important too. But they do not replace the need for host plants. If you only plant catmint, you miss the specialists. A healthy garden has both. Native host plants for larvae. Nectar plants like catmint for adults.

Deer And Rabbit Resistance

The aromatic oils in catmint deter browsing. Deer usually leave it alone. Rabbits usually leave it alone. This is a big deal in many areas. Native plants often get eaten to the ground. Catmint persists. It provides structure and bloom even under high deer pressure. This lets you have flowers without fencing. That has value.

Invasive Potential

Is catmint invasive? The ornamental hybrids are not. They are sterile or nearly so. They clump. They do not run. They do not seed around. Nepeta cataria (catnip) is another story. It seeds freely. It shows up in disturbed soils. It is listed as invasive in some states. Check your local invasive plant list. If catnip is a problem in your area, avoid it. Stick to the sterile hybrids.

Growing Catmint Successfully

Catmint is one of the easiest perennials you can grow. It asks for little. It gives a lot. Here is how to make it happy.

Sun Requirements

Full sun is best. That means six hours of direct light. Eight is better. In hot southern climates, a little afternoon shade helps. Too much shade makes the plants floppy. They stretch for light. The stems get weak. Flowering decreases. Fungal issues increase. Plant it in the sunniest spot you have.

Soil Preferences

Catmint hates wet feet. It needs sharp drainage. Sandy soil is great. Gravelly soil is great. Rocky soil is great. Heavy clay is a problem. If you have clay, amend it. Add coarse sand. Add compost. Add fine gravel. Or plant in a raised bed. Or a container. The crown of the plant rots if it sits in moisture. Winter wet is especially deadly.

Watering Needs

Water regularly the first season. This establishes the roots. After that, catmint is very drought tolerant. In fact, it prefers dry conditions. Overwatering leads to floppy growth. It leads to root rot. In most regions, rainfall is enough once established. In extreme drought, a deep soak every few weeks keeps it looking fresh. But it will survive without it.

Fertilizer? Not Really

Skip the fertilizer. Rich soil makes weak stems. It makes fewer flowers. It reduces the aromatic oils. Lean soil produces compact, floriferous plants. If your soil is truly terrible, a light side-dressing of compost in spring is fine. But do not use chemical fertilizers. Do not use manure. Catmint thrives on neglect.

Maintenance: The Chelsea Chop

Catmint blooms in waves. The first flush is in late spring. After that, the plant looks tired. The center opens up. Stems flop. This is the time for the Chelsea Chop. Shear the whole plant back by half. Or cut it to the ground. Do this in early summer. It looks drastic. But within weeks, you get a fresh mound. And a second heavy bloom. You can do this again in late summer. In mild climates, you get three bloom cycles.

Division

Divide clumps every three to four years. Do it in spring. Or early fall. Dig the clump. Pull or cut it into pieces. Each piece needs roots and shoots. Replant. Water well. Division keeps the plant vigorous. It prevents the dead center. It gives you free plants.

Designing With Catmint

Catmint is a design workhorse. Its soft color and texture blend with everything. Its long bloom ties the garden together. Here are ideas for using it.

Front Of The Border

Low cultivars like ‘Blue Wonder’ or ‘Kit Cat’ stay under 18 inches. They are perfect for the front edge. They soften hard lines. They hide the bare legs of taller plants. They bloom while the back row is still growing.

Rose Companion

Catmint is the classic underplanting for roses. The blue flowers contrast with pink, red, yellow, or white roses. The foliage covers the thorny canes. Both like sun and drainage. Both hate wet feet. It is a match made in heaven.

Rock Gardens And Slopes

The drainage on a slope or in a rock garden suits catmint perfectly. It cascades over stones. It holds soil on a bank. The aromatic foliage releases scent when brushed. Plant it where you will touch it.

Pollinator Gardens

Plant catmint in drifts. Three, five, seven plants together. This creates a target for pollinators. They see the mass of color. They work the flowers efficiently. Mix it with native nectar plants. Coneflowers. Bee balm. Black-eyed Susans. Butterfly weed. The catmint fills the June gap. The natives take over in July and August.

Containers

Catmint does well in pots. Use a gritty mix. Add perlite or pumice. Ensure the pot drains. Water when the top inch is dry. Fertilize lightly or not at all. Shear it back after blooming. It looks great spilling over the rim.

Catmint Versus Native Alternatives

If you want to garden with natives, you have options. Some native plants fill a similar niche. They offer blue flowers. They like sun and drainage. They support specialist insects. Here are a few to consider.

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

This is a North American native. It has spikes of purple-blue flowers. It blooms all summer. Bees adore it. Butterflies too. The leaves smell like licorice. It makes great tea. It self-sows moderately. It is hardy in zones 4 to 8. It gets taller than catmint. Three to four feet. But there are compact cultivars like ‘Blue Fortune’.

Blue Sage (Salvia azurea)

Also called pitcher sage. Native to the central US. Sky-blue flowers in late summer. Very drought tolerant. Deep roots. Grows three to five feet. Can flop. Plant it with grasses for support. Hardy zones 5 to 9.

Catmint Lookalike: Calamint (Calamintha nepeta)

Wait. This is not native either. It is from Europe. But it is worth mentioning. It looks very similar to catmint. Tiny white or pale blue flowers. Blooms all summer. Forms a neat mound. Bees love it. It is a great plant. Just not native.

Native Calamint (Calamintha arkansana)

This one is native. Limited range. Ozarks region. Similar habit. Harder to find in nurseries. But worth seeking out.

Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)

Native across most of North America. Lavender-pink flowers. Blooms mid to late summer. Very attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Aromatic foliage. Can get mildew. Needs good air flow. Spreads by rhizomes. Give it room.

Narrowleaf Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum tenuifolium)

Native to eastern North America. White flowers with purple spots. Incredible pollinator magnet. Very long bloom time. Fine texture. Aromatic. Spreads slowly. Great for naturalistic plantings.

Common Problems And Solutions

Catmint is tough. But it is not bulletproof. Here are issues you might see.

Floppy Centers

This is the number one complaint. The plant blooms heavily. The stems get heavy. The center opens up. You see bare dirt. Solution: The Chelsea Chop. Shear it back hard after the first bloom. Or stake it early. Use grow-through supports. Put them in place in spring. The plant grows through them. Invisible support.

Root Rot

Yellowing leaves. Wilting despite wet soil. Black, mushy roots. This is root rot. Caused by poor drainage. Or overwatering. Or heavy clay. Solution: Improve drainage before planting. Plant high. Do not mulch right up to the crown. If it happens, dig the plant. Cut away rot. Replant in a better spot. Or a pot.

Powdery Mildew

White powder on leaves. Usually in late summer. Humid weather. Poor air flow. Too much shade. Solution: Space plants properly. Thin stems if crowded. Water at the base. Not overhead. Remove badly affected leaves. It is rarely fatal. Just ugly.

Cat Damage

Some cats love catmint. They roll on it. They flatten it. They break stems. Solution: Put a cage over it. Use chicken wire. Or plant catnip elsewhere as a decoy. Most cats prefer catnip. But some like both.

Winter Kill

In very cold zones (3 and 4), catmint can die out. Wet winter soil is the killer. Not the cold. Solution: Excellent drainage. Gravel mulch. Not bark. Bark holds moisture. Leave stems standing over winter. They protect the crown. Cut back in spring.

Propagation Methods

Want more catmint? Easy. Here is how.

Division

Best method. Spring or fall. Dig. Divide. Replant. Done. You get mature plants fast.

Stem Cuttings

Take cuttings in late spring. Before flowering. Cut 4-inch tips. Strip lower leaves. Dip in rooting hormone. Stick in moist sand or perlite. Cover with a bag. Keep bright but not hot. Roots in two to three weeks.

Layering

Low stems often root where they touch soil. Pin a stem down. Cover with soil. Leave the tip exposed. Wait a few months. Cut from mother. Dig the new plant.

Seed

Species catmint grows from seed. Hybrids do not come true. Or they are sterile. If you want a specific cultivar, do not use seed. Buy plants. Or divide.

Catmint Through The Seasons

Let us walk through a year with catmint.

Spring

New growth emerges. Gray-green mounds appear. They grow fast. By May, flower buds form. First blooms open late May to early June. This is the big show.

Summer

First flush fades in July. Shear it back. New growth pushes. Second bloom starts in August. Continues into September. Water if bone dry. Otherwise ignore it.

Fall

Bloom slows. Foliage looks good. Maybe a few flowers until frost. Stop watering. Let it harden off. Do not fertilize. Do not prune hard. Leave the stems.

Winter

Stems turn brown. They catch snow. They protect the crown. They add structure to the winter garden. In late winter, cut back to the ground. Or early spring. Before new growth starts.

Choosing The Right Cultivar

There are many catmint cultivars. Here is a quick guide.

‘Walker’s Low’

Perennial Plant of the Year 2007. Despite the name, it gets 24 to 30 inches tall. Wide spread. Deep lavender-blue flowers. Very reliable. Long bloom. The standard by which others are judged.

‘Six Hills Giant’

Older cultivar. Tall. 30 to 36 inches. Big presence. Large flowers. Can be floppy. Needs space. Good for the middle of the border.

‘Blue Wonder’

Compact. 12 to 15 inches. Intense blue flowers. Great for edging. For containers. For small spaces.

‘Kit Cat’

Even smaller. 8 to 12 inches. Tight mound. Profuse bloomer. Perfect for rock gardens. For the very front of the border.

‘Purrsian Blue’

Newer. 14 to 18 inches. Very dense. Very floriferous. Holds shape well. Less flopping.

‘Cat’s Meow’

Similar to ‘Purrsian Blue’. 17 to 20 inches. Uniform habit. Strong stems. Great color.

‘Dropmore’

Hybrid of Nepeta x faassenii and Nepeta racemosa. 12 inches. Very blue. Very compact.

White And Pink Forms

‘Snowflake’ is white. ‘Pink Cat’ is pink. They are lovely. But the blue ones attract more bees. Bees see blue best.

Catmint In Different Climates

Catmint adapts widely. But climate changes the game.

Cool Summers (Pacific Northwest, Northeast, Midwest)

Catmint thrives. Long bloom. Little disease. Full sun. Lean soil. It is a star.

Hot Humid Summers (Southeast, Mid-Atlantic)

Harder. Fungal issues increase. Rot risk increases. Choose a site with morning sun only. Excellent air flow. Gritty soil. Shear hard after spring bloom. ‘Purrsian Blue’ and ‘Cat’s Meow’ handle heat better.

Arid West (Intermountain, Southwest, California)

Perfect climate. Matches native range. Catmint excels. Very low water. Long bloom. No humidity issues. Watch for winter wet in heavy soils.

Cold Winters (Zones 3-4)

Mulch with gravel. Not leaves. Not straw. Gravel drains. Stems stand for winter protection. Cut back late spring. Some cultivars are hardier. ‘Walker’s Low’ is reliable to zone 3 with drainage.

Ecological Considerations

Let us look deeper at the ecology. Is catmint a native plant? No. But does it belong in an ecological garden? Maybe.

The Nativist Perspective

Strict native plant advocates say no. Only plants that evolved here. They support the full food web. Caterpillars feed birds. Native bees have specific relationships. Non-natives break these links. They take space. They use resources. They offer less.

The Pragmatist Perspective

Many ecologists take a middle ground. Cities are novel ecosystems. The soil is changed. The hydrology is changed. The climate is changed. Pure natives sometimes fail. Well-behaved non-natives fill gaps. They provide nectar. They provide pollen. They cover soil. They cool the ground. They need no chemicals. Catmint fits this. It is not invasive. It supports generalists. It asks for nothing.

The 70/30 Rule

A common guideline. Aim for 70 percent native. 30 percent non-native. The non-natives should be non-invasive. High wildlife value. Low maintenance. Catmint qualifies. Use it as a supporting player. Not the star. Let natives lead.

Pollinator Pathways

Catmint blooms in June. This is a gap month. Many spring natives are done. Summer natives not yet started. Catmint bridges this gap. It keeps pollinators fed. It keeps them in your yard. They then find your native plants. It is a gateway plant.

Catmint For Herbal Use

Catmint has a history as an herb. Not as famous as catnip. But useful.

Tea

The leaves make a pleasant tea. Mild minty flavor. Floral notes. Calming. Good for digestion. Use fresh or dried. Steep 5 minutes. Do not boil. Boiling drives off the volatile oils.

Medicinal Tradition

Traditional uses include: fever reducer. Cold remedy. Digestive aid. Nervine. Menstrual cramp relief. Modern research is limited. The essential oil shows antimicrobial activity. It repels insects. Always check with a healthcare provider before using medicinally.

Culinary

Flowers are edible. Pretty in salads. On desserts. In ice cubes. Leaves can flavor vinegar. Or oil. Use sparingly. The flavor is strong.

Cat Toy

Dried leaves in a sachet. Some cats like it. Not as potent as catnip. But a nice alternative.

Buying Catmint

What to look for at the nursery.

Healthy Foliage

Gray-green. Not yellow. Not brown. No spots. No webbing (spider mites). No white powder (mildew).

Good Roots

Tip the pot. Roots should be white. Firm. Not circling tightly. Not brown and mushy.

Label Check

Make sure it says Nepeta x faassenii or a specific cultivar name. Avoid Nepeta cataria unless you want catnip.

Size

Quart pots establish fast. Gallon pots give instant impact. Plugs are cheaper for mass planting. But need more care the first year.

Timing

Spring is best. Fall works in mild zones. Avoid planting in summer heat. If you must, provide shade and water.

Companion Planting Ideas

Catmint plays well with others. Here are winning combos.

With Roses

Already mentioned. But worth repeating. The classic pairing. Blue catmint. Pink rose. Perfection.

With Ornamental Grasses

Blue fescue. Feather reed grass. Little bluestem. Prairie dropseed. The fine texture of grass contrasts with the soft mound of catmint. Movement versus stillness.

With Salvias

Perennial salvias bloom at the same time. Similar spikes. Different colors. ‘May Night’ salvia (deep purple). ‘Caradonna’ (dark stems, violet). ‘Hot Lips’ (red and white). A salvia-catmint border buzzes all summer.

With Yarrow

Achillea. Flat flower heads. Yellow, white, pink, red. Same conditions. Same care. Long bloom. Great cut flowers together.

With Alliums

Ornamental onions. Big purple globes. Bloom early. Catmint covers the fading foliage. Then catmint blooms. Succession of interest.

With Native Perennials

Coneflower. Black-eyed Susan. Bee balm. Butterfly weed. Blazing star. Coreopsis. Catmint fills the early slot. Natives take the late slot. Continuous bloom.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catmint Origins

Let us address some common questions directly.

Is Catmint Native To The United States?

No. No species of Nepeta is native to the United States. Or Canada. Or Mexico. Or South America. The genus is entirely Old World.

Is Catmint Native To Europe?

Yes. Many species are native to Europe. Nepeta cataria is widespread there. Nepeta racemosa comes from the Caucasus. Nepeta nepetella is southern European.

Has Catmint Naturalized In The US?

Nepeta cataria (catnip) has naturalized widely. It grows wild in most states. The ornamental hybrids have not naturalized significantly. They are mostly sterile.

Is Catmint Considered Invasive?

Catnip is considered invasive in some areas. Check your state list. Ornamental catmint is not considered invasive. It clumps. It does not run. It does not seed aggressively.

Can I Plant Catmint In A Native Garden?

Strictly speaking, no. It is not native. But many native gardeners use it as a “near-native” or “ecological functional” plant. It supports pollinators. It is non-invasive. It is your call.

What Is The Difference Between Catmint And Catnip?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a species. Weedy. White flowers. Cats love it. Catmint usually refers to ornamental hybrids (Nepeta x faassenii). Showy blue flowers. Tidy habit. Cats are indifferent.

Conclusion

So, is catmint a native plant? The answer is clear. No. Catmint comes from Europe and Asia. It is not native to North America. But the story does not end there. This plant has earned its place in our gardens. It asks for little. It gives months of bloom. It feeds bees and butterflies. It resists deer and drought. It covers ground. It softens edges. It plays well with natives. It plays well with roses. It plays well with grasses.

If you garden for wildlife, include native host plants. Milkweed for monarchs. Oak for hundreds of caterpillars. Native asters and goldenrods for late-season specialists. But make room for catmint too. It fills the June gap. It keeps the pollinators fed. It makes the garden beautiful. And a beautiful garden is a garden you tend. A garden you tend is a garden that supports life.

Choose sterile cultivars. ‘Walker’s Low’. ‘Purrsian Blue’. ‘Cat’s Meow’. Plant them in sun. Give them drainage. Shear them back. Enjoy the show. And know that while catmint is not native, it is a friend to the garden. A reliable, generous, hardworking friend. In a world of high-maintenance divas, catmint is the easygoing companion we all need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is catmint a native plant to the United States?

No, catmint is not native to the United States. The genus Nepeta originates from Europe, Asia, and North Africa. No species of catmint evolved naturally in North America.

Will catmint take over my garden like mint?

Unlike true mints (Mentha), ornamental catmint does not run by underground rhizomes. It forms tidy clumps that slowly expand. The popular hybrids are sterile and will not self-seed aggressively.

What growing conditions does catmint prefer?

Catmint thrives in full sun (6+ hours) with well-drained, lean soil. It tolerates drought, heat, and poor soil once established. Avoid heavy clay, wet sites, and rich soil which causes floppy growth.

When should I cut back catmint?

Shear catmint back by half after the first flush of blooms fades in early summer. This “Chelsea Chop” promotes a fresh mound of foliage and a second heavy bloom cycle. Cut dead stems to the ground in late winter or early spring.

Is catmint deer resistant?

Yes, catmint is highly deer resistant. The aromatic oils in the foliage deter browsing. Rabbits also typically avoid it. This makes it valuable in areas with high deer pressure where many native plants get eaten.

Which catmint cultivar is best for small gardens?

‘Kit Cat’ and ‘Blue Wonder’ are excellent compact choices, staying under 15 inches tall. ‘Purrsian Blue’ and ‘Cat’s Meow’ offer slightly larger but very tidy mounds around 18-20 inches with strong stems that resist flopping.