Catmint Plants Varieties

Catmint (Nepeta) offers gardeners a versatile, drought-tolerant perennial with aromatic foliage and beautiful blooms. From compact border plants to tall statement pieces, there’s a catmint variety for every garden style. This guide explores the most popular types, growing requirements, and design ideas to help you select the perfect catmint for your landscape.

If you’ve ever walked past a garden in early summer and noticed clouds of lavender-blue flowers buzzing with bees, chances are you’ve met catmint. This hardworking perennial has earned its place in gardens across the country, and for good reason. Catmint plants deliver months of color, require minimal care, and bring beneficial pollinators right to your doorstep. But with so many catmint varieties available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

I’ve grown catmint in my own garden for over a decade, and I’ve learned that not all varieties behave the same way. Some spread enthusiastically, others stay in tidy mounds. Some reach three feet tall, while others hug the ground at six inches. The flower color ranges from deep violet to pale pink to pure white. Understanding these differences helps you pick the perfect catmint for your specific garden situation.

Key Takeaways

• Catmint belongs to the Nepeta genus: Over 250 species exist, but only a handful are commonly grown in gardens for their ornamental value and pollinator appeal.
• ‘Walker’s Low’ is the gold standard: This award-winning variety offers reliable performance, long bloom time, and a manageable size for most garden settings.
• Catmint differs from catnip: While both are Nepeta species, catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is grown for ornamentals, while catnip (Nepeta cataria) is grown for feline entertainment.
• Most varieties thrive in full sun and well-drained soil: Catmint is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for water-wise gardens.
• Shearing after first bloom encourages reblooming: A mid-summer haircut keeps plants tidy and promotes a second flush of flowers into fall.
• Catmint attracts beneficial insects: Bees, butterflies, and hoverflies flock to the nectar-rich flowers, while deer and rabbits typically avoid the aromatic foliage.
• Compact varieties suit containers and edges: Dwarf types like ‘Kit Cat’ and ‘Little Trudy’ work beautifully in small spaces, rock gardens, and along pathways.

Quick Answers to Common Questions

What is the difference between catmint and catnip?

Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii and related ornamental species) is grown for its attractive flowers and garden performance. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is grown specifically for its effect on cats. Catmint has showier flowers, better garden manners, and less appeal to felines.

Does catmint come back every year?

Yes, catmint is a hardy perennial that returns reliably in zones 3-8. It dies back to the ground in winter and re-emerges from the crown in spring. Most varieties live for many years with minimal care.

When should I cut back catmint?

Shear catmint back by half to two-thirds after the first heavy bloom finishes in early to midsummer. This promotes fresh foliage and a second flush of flowers. Cut dead foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.

Can catmint grow in shade?

Catmint prefers full sun (6+ hours) for best flowering and compact growth. It tolerates light shade, especially in hot climates, but will produce fewer flowers and may become leggy. Nepeta subsessilis tolerates more shade than other species.

Is catmint invasive?

Most ornamental catmint varieties are clump-forming and not invasive. They may self-seed modestly, but seedlings are easy to remove. Nepeta sibirica spreads by rhizomes and can be aggressive—plant it where you can control its spread or divide regularly.

Understanding the Catmint Family

Before diving into specific varieties, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. Catmint and catnip are related but different plants. Both belong to the Nepeta genus in the mint family (Lamiaceae), but they serve different purposes in the garden.

Catmint vs. Catnip: What’s the Difference?

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the one that sends cats into euphoric rolls. It has a rangy, somewhat weedy appearance with white flowers spotted with purple. Gardeners typically grow it for their feline friends rather than ornamental value. Catmint refers to the ornamental species and hybrids, primarily Nepeta x faassenii, Nepeta racemosa, and Nepeta sibirica. These offer showier flowers, better garden manners, and less appeal to cats (though some felines still enjoy them).

The Main Catmint Groups

Most garden catmints fall into three main categories. The Nepeta x faassenii hybrids (often called Faassen’s catmint) are the most popular. They form neat mounds of gray-green foliage topped with lavender-blue flowers. Nepeta racemosa varieties tend to be lower-growing with a more spreading habit. Nepeta sibirica types grow taller and more upright, making them excellent for the middle or back of borders.

There’s also Nepeta grandiflora (sometimes called giant catmint) which lives up to its name with larger flowers and a more substantial presence. And don’t overlook Nepeta subsessilis (Japanese catmint), which tolerates more moisture and shade than its cousins.

Top Catmint Varieties for Every Garden

Now let’s explore the standout varieties that deserve a spot in your garden. I’ve organized these by growth habit and size to help you match the right plant to the right place.

Classic Mound-Forming Varieties

‘Walker’s Low’ (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’) remains the most famous catmint for good reason. Named Perennial Plant of the Year in 2007, it grows 24-30 inches tall and wide with a relaxed, slightly sprawling habit. Despite the name, it’s not particularly low-growing. The lavender-blue flowers appear in late spring and continue sporadically through summer, especially if sheared back after the first flush. It’s reliably hardy in zones 3-8 and tolerates heat, humidity, and drought once established.

‘Six Hills Giant’ (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Six Hills Giant’) is essentially a larger version of ‘Walker’s Low,’ reaching 30-36 inches tall and wide. It makes a bold statement in the middle of a border and pairs beautifully with roses, salvias, and ornamental grasses. The flowers are a slightly deeper violet-blue. Give it room to spread, as it can overwhelm smaller neighbors.

‘Blue Wonder’ (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Blue Wonder’) offers a more compact option at 12-15 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide. The flowers are an intense, true blue that really pops in the garden. It’s perfect for the front of borders, rock gardens, or containers. The foliage stays particularly neat and tidy.

Compact and Dwarf Varieties

‘Kit Cat’ (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Kit Cat’) is one of the smallest catmints, forming a tight mound just 8-10 inches tall and 12-16 inches wide. Despite its diminutive size, it produces abundant lavender-blue flowers from late spring through summer. It’s ideal for edging pathways, tucking into rock walls, or growing in containers. The foliage is especially aromatic when brushed against.

‘Little Trudy’ (Nepeta x ‘Little Trudy’) reaches 10-12 inches tall and spreads 18-24 inches wide. It’s a Plant Select winner, meaning it’s been tested and proven in challenging Western growing conditions. The flowers are a soft lavender-pink rather than the typical blue, offering a refreshing color variation. It’s exceptionally heat and drought tolerant.

‘Junior Walker’ (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Junior Walker’) lives up to its name as a smaller version of ‘Walker’s Low,’ topping out at 15-18 inches tall. It maintains the same long bloom season and easy care but fits into smaller spaces. The habit is a bit more upright and less floppy than its namesake.

Tall and Upright Varieties

‘Souvenir d’André Chaudron’ (Nepeta sibirica ‘Souvenir d’André Chaudron’) grows 3-4 feet tall with a strong upright habit that rarely needs staking. The flowers are a beautiful violet-blue held on sturdy stems above the foliage. It blooms later than the faassenii types, often starting in midsummer and continuing into fall. This variety spreads by rhizomes, so give it room or plan to divide regularly.

‘Pool Bank’ (Nepeta grandiflora ‘Pool Bank’) reaches 30-36 inches with large, showy violet-blue flowers that are noticeably bigger than other catmints. The foliage is a fresh green rather than gray-green. It’s a vigorous grower that makes an excellent cut flower. Deadheading promotes repeat blooming.

‘Dawn to Dusk’ (Nepeta grandiflora ‘Dawn to Dusk’) offers something different with pale pink flowers that age to a soft lavender-pink. It grows 24-30 inches tall with a bushy, upright habit. The color pairs beautifully with silver-foliaged plants like artemisia or lamb’s ears.

White and Pink Flowering Varieties

‘Snowflake’ (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Snowflake’) produces pure white flowers over gray-green foliage. It grows 12-18 inches tall and wide with a neat, compact habit. White catmint is invaluable for evening gardens where the flowers glow in twilight, and it provides a cooling contrast to hot-colored perennials.

‘Pink Cat’ (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Pink Cat’) bears soft pink flowers on 18-24 inch plants. The color is subtle and blends effortlessly with other pastel perennials. It’s slightly less vigorous than the blue varieties but worth growing for its unusual hue.

‘Betsy’s Blue’ (Nepeta x faassenii ‘Betsy’s Blue’) features lavender-blue flowers with a distinct pinkish cast, especially in cooler weather. It grows 18-24 inches tall and wide with a particularly long bloom period.

Specialty and Species Varieties

Nepeta subsessilis (Japanese catmint) deserves more attention. Unlike most catmints, it prefers consistent moisture and tolerates partial shade. It grows 2-3 feet tall with large, glossy green leaves and intense blue flowers in late summer. The cultivar ‘Cool Cat’ is a compact selection at 18-24 inches.

Nepeta ‘Purple Haze’ (Nepeta x ‘Purple Haze’) is a newer hybrid with exceptionally dark purple-blue flowers and a low, spreading habit (12-18 inches tall, 24-36 inches wide). It’s sterile, so it won’t self-seed, and the flower color holds well in heat.

Nepeta ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’ (Nepeta x ‘Chartreuse on the Loose’) brings chartreuse-yellow foliage to the catmint palette. The lavender-blue flowers contrast beautifully with the bright leaves. It grows 12-18 inches tall and spreads 24-30 inches. The foliage color is most intense in spring and with some afternoon shade.

Growing Catmint Successfully

One of the reasons catmint is so beloved is its adaptability. But understanding its preferences will give you the best results with the least effort.

Sun and Soil Requirements

Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light) produces the most flowers and the sturdiest growth. Catmint will tolerate light shade, especially in hot southern climates, but expect fewer blooms and a looser habit. The soil must drain well. Catmint hates wet feet, particularly in winter. Heavy clay soils should be amended with compost and coarse sand, or consider planting in raised beds. The ideal pH is neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5-7.5), but catmint isn’t fussy.

Planting Tips for Success

Spring planting gives catmint time to establish before summer heat, but early fall works well too in zones 5 and warmer. Space plants according to their mature width—crowding leads to floppy growth and disease issues. Water regularly the first growing season to develop a deep root system. Once established, catmint is remarkably drought-tolerant. Mulch with gravel or coarse organic material to keep the crown dry and suppress weeds.

Watering and Fertilizing

Established catmint rarely needs supplemental water except during extended droughts. Overwatering leads to weak, floppy growth and root rot. Fertilize sparingly—a light application of compost in spring is plenty. Too much nitrogen produces lush foliage at the expense of flowers. If your soil is very poor, a balanced slow-release fertilizer at half strength in early spring is acceptable.

The All-Important Shear

Here’s the secret to months of catmint flowers: shear the plants back by half to two-thirds after the first heavy bloom finishes, usually in early to midsummer. This looks brutal, but within weeks you’ll have fresh foliage and a second flush of flowers that often lasts until frost. Use hedge shears or a string trimmer for large plantings. For a more natural look, you can deadhead individual spent flower spikes instead, but shearing is faster and produces a tidier plant.

Designing with Catmint

Catmint’s versatility makes it a designer’s dream. Its soft texture, long bloom season, and pollinator appeal allow it to play many roles in the garden.

Classic Companion Plantings

The classic pairing is catmint with roses. The lavender-blue flowers hide the bare canes of shrub roses and complement every rose color from white to deep red. Plus, catmint’s aromatic foliage may help deter some rose pests. Plant catmint 18-24 inches from the rose base to avoid competition.

Catmint also shines with other Mediterranean herbs and perennials. Combine it with lavender, sage, thyme, and oregano for a fragrant, drought-tolerant border. The similar cultural needs make maintenance easy. Add ornamental grasses like blue fescue or feather reed grass for textural contrast.

Color Combinations

Blue catmint varieties create stunning contrasts with hot colors. Try them alongside orange butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), red hot poker (Kniphofia), or yellow coreopsis. For a cooler palette, pair with white coneflowers, pink echinacea, or purple salvias. White catmint varieties (‘Snowflake’) bridge color schemes beautifully and illuminate evening gardens.

Structural Uses

Low-growing catmints like ‘Kit Cat’ and ‘Little Trudy’ make excellent edging plants along paths and driveways. They soften hard edges and release fragrance when brushed. Taller varieties work as informal hedges or to define garden rooms. Mass plantings of a single variety create a dramatic river of color—’Walker’s Low’ is particularly effective used this way.

Container Gardening

Compact catmints thrive in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or pumice. Choose a pot at least 12 inches wide for dwarf varieties, 16-18 inches for larger ones. Container plants need more frequent watering and a light monthly feeding during the growing season. In cold climates, move pots to an unheated garage or bury them in the ground for winter protection.

Catmint for Pollinators and Wildlife

If you want a garden buzzing with life, catmint delivers. The nectar-rich flowers attract an incredible diversity of pollinators.

Bee Magnet

Honeybees, bumblebees, and native solitary bees all flock to catmint. The flower structure allows easy access to nectar, and the long bloom season provides a reliable food source. Plant catmint near vegetable gardens to boost pollination of crops like tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers.

Butterflies and Beneficial Insects

Butterflies, particularly skippers and swallowtails, visit catmint regularly. Hoverflies and parasitic wasps—both valuable predators of garden pests—also feed on the nectar. This makes catmint an excellent addition to integrated pest management strategies.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance

The strong aromatic oils that make catmint appealing to pollinators make it unpalatable to deer and rabbits. In areas with heavy browsing pressure, catmint is one of the few perennials you can plant with confidence. No plant is completely deer-proof, but catmint is rarely damaged.

A Note on Cats

Despite the name, most ornamental catmints don’t elicit the same frenzied response as true catnip. Some cats may rub against or nibble the plants, but damage is usually minimal. If neighborhood cats are a concern, interplant catmint with prickly or strong-smelling companions like barberry or Russian sage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Catmint asks for little but rewards consistent, timely care. Here’s what to do throughout the year.

Spring

Cut back any remaining dead foliage to the ground as new growth emerges. This is the best time to divide overcrowded clumps (every 3-4 years). Apply a thin layer of compost around the base. Watch for early aphid infestations on new growth—blast them off with water or use insecticidal soap if needed.

Summer

Enjoy the first bloom flush! After flowering slows (usually June-July), shear plants back by half. Water deeply after shearing to encourage quick regrowth. Deadhead any remaining spent flowers if you didn’t shear. Monitor for spider mites during hot, dry weather—they cause stippled, bronzed foliage. Increase humidity with occasional overhead watering.

Fall

Enjoy the second bloom! Stop deadheading in early fall to allow some seeds to form for winter interest and bird food. Don’t fertilize after midsummer. In cold climates, leave the foliage standing over winter—it protects the crown and provides habitat for beneficial insects.

Winter

In late winter or early spring, cut the dead foliage to the ground before new growth starts. In zones 3-4, a light mulch of straw or evergreen boughs after the ground freezes helps prevent frost heaving. Avoid heavy mulches that hold moisture against the crown.

Propagation: Making More Catmint

Catmint is easy to propagate, so you can expand your plantings or share with friends.

Division

Division is the fastest method and rejuvenates older plants. In early spring, dig up the entire clump. Use a sharp spade or knife to cut it into sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. Replant immediately at the same depth, water well, and mulch. Divisions often bloom the same year.

Stem Cuttings

Take 4-6 inch cuttings from non-flowering stems in late spring or early summer. Remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional but helpful), and insert into moist potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots form in 2-3 weeks. Transplant to individual pots once rooted.

Seed

Catmint seeds need light to germinate. Sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost, pressing seeds into the surface of moist seed-starting mix. Don’t cover. Keep at 65-70°F. Germination takes 10-20 days. Transplant seedlings after danger of frost. Note: named cultivars won’t come true from seed—you’ll get variable offspring. Species types like Nepeta sibirica grow reliably from seed.

Troubleshooting Common Catmint Problems

Catmint is remarkably trouble-free, but a few issues can arise.

Floppy, Leggy Growth

This usually means too much shade, too much water, too much fertilizer, or overcrowding. Move to a sunnier spot, reduce watering and feeding, and divide crowded plants. Shearing in early summer (before bloom) at 6-8 inches tall promotes bushier growth.

Center Die-Out

Older clumps often develop a dead center with growth only at the edges. This signals it’s time to divide. Dig the plant in spring, discard the woody center, and replant the vigorous outer sections.

Powdery Mildew

A white powdery coating on leaves indicates powdery mildew, usually from poor air circulation or overhead watering in humid conditions. Thin crowded plants, water at the base, and ensure good spacing. Resistant varieties include ‘Walker’s Low’ and ‘Blue Wonder.’

Root Rot

Wilting despite moist soil, yellowing leaves, and a foul smell indicate root rot from poor drainage. Improve drainage or move the plant. Catmint in heavy clay or low spots is most susceptible.

Aphids and Spider Mites

Aphids cluster on new growth in spring. Spider mites cause stippled, dusty foliage in hot, dry weather. Both are easily managed with strong water sprays, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Encourage natural predators by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.

Catmint in Different Garden Styles

Catmint adapts to almost any garden aesthetic.

Cottage Gardens

Let catmint spill informally along paths and between roses. ‘Walker’s Low’ and ‘Six Hills Giant’ capture the romantic, abundant feel. Allow some self-seeding for a naturalized look (though named cultivars may not come true).

Modern and Minimalist Gardens

Use a single variety in mass plantings for a clean, architectural effect. ‘Junior Walker’ or ‘Blue Wonder’ work well—uniform height and tidy habit. Pair with ornamental grasses and geometric hardscaping.

Rock Gardens and Xeriscapes

Dwarf varieties like ‘Kit Cat’ and ‘Little Trudy’ thrive in the sharp drainage of rock gardens. Their drought tolerance makes them perfect for water-wise landscapes. Combine with sedums, creeping thyme, and dwarf conifers.

Pollinator and Wildlife Gardens

Plant catmint in drifts of 5-7 plants for maximum pollinator appeal. Include early, mid, and late-blooming varieties to extend the season. Leave seed heads standing for winter birds.

Herb and Kitchen Gardens

While not typically used culinarily (the flavor is strong and bitter), catmint belongs in herb gardens for its pollinator support and pest-deterrent qualities. Plant near the vegetable garden entrance.

Choosing the Right Catmint for You

With so many options, how do you decide? Ask yourself these questions:

How Much Space Do You Have?

Small garden or containers? Choose ‘Kit Cat,’ ‘Little Trudy,’ or ‘Junior Walker.’ Large border? ‘Walker’s Low,’ ‘Six Hills Giant,’ or ‘Souvenir d’André Chaudron’ make an impact.

What’s Your Climate?

Hot, dry summers? All catmints handle this well, but ‘Little Trudy’ and ‘Purple Haze’ are standouts. Humid Southeast? Prioritize mildew-resistant varieties like ‘Walker’s Low’ and ‘Blue Wonder.’ Cool, moist Pacific Northwest? Try Nepeta subsessilis.

What’s Your Design Goal?

Edging? ‘Kit Cat.’ Ground cover? ‘Little Trudy’ or ‘Purple Haze.’ Specimen plant? ‘Pool Bank’ or ‘Dawn to Dusk.’ Mass planting? ‘Walker’s Low’ or ‘Six Hills Giant.’ Cut flowers? ‘Pool Bank’ or ‘Souvenir d’André Chaudron.’

What Colors Do You Want?

Classic lavender-blue? Most varieties. Deep purple-blue? ‘Purple Haze’ or ‘Blue Wonder.’ Pink? ‘Dawn to Dusk’ or ‘Pink Cat.’ White? ‘Snowflake.’ Chartreuse foliage? ‘Chartreuse on the Loose.’

Conclusion

Catmint plants offer something for every gardener: months of beautiful flowers, incredible pollinator support, deer resistance, and minimal maintenance. Whether you choose the classic ‘Walker’s Low,’ the diminutive ‘Kit Cat,’ the statuesque ‘Souvenir d’André Chaudron,’ or any of the dozens of other varieties, you’re adding a proven performer to your garden.

The key to success is simple: give catmint sun, well-drained soil, and an annual haircut after the first bloom. In return, you’ll get a plant that works hard from late spring through frost, asking little and giving much. Start with one variety that matches your space and style, and I suspect you’ll soon be making room for more. Few perennials deliver so much satisfaction for so little effort.

Your garden—and the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds—will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep catmint from getting leggy and floppy?

Plant in full sun, avoid overwatering and overfertilizing, and shear plants back by half after the first bloom. For naturally floppy varieties, a preventive shear in early summer (when plants are 6-8 inches tall) promotes sturdier, bushier growth.

Can I grow catmint in containers?

Yes, compact varieties like ‘Kit Cat,’ ‘Little Trudy,’ and ‘Junior Walker’ thrive in containers. Use a well-draining potting mix, ensure the pot has drainage holes, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Container plants need winter protection in cold climates.

Why isn’t my catmint blooming?

Insufficient sun is the most common cause—catmint needs at least 6 hours of direct light. Overfertilizing with nitrogen promotes foliage over flowers. Plants may also need division if they’re old and woody in the center. Shearing after the first bloom encourages reblooming.

Will catmint attract cats to my garden?

Ornamental catmint is much less attractive to cats than true catnip (Nepeta cataria). Some cats may rub against or occasionally nibble the plants, but damage is typically minimal. The aromatic foliage actually deters many animals, including deer and rabbits.

How often should I divide catmint?

Divide catmint every 3-4 years in early spring when the center of the clump becomes woody and dies out, or when flowering declines. Division rejuvenates the plant and gives you free plants for elsewhere in the garden or to share.

What are the best companion plants for catmint?

Roses are the classic companion—catmint hides bare canes and complements every rose color. Other excellent partners include lavender, salvia, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, ornamental grasses, yarrow, and Russian sage. All share similar sun and drainage requirements.