Catmint (Nepeta)
[NEP-eh-tah]

Deciduous Perennial in the Lamiaceae Family

About Catmints

Nepeta, commonly called catmint, is a genus of aromatic, mostly low-maintenance perennials in the mint family (Lamiaceae), prized for their long bloom season of small blue-to-violet (occasionally white, pink, or yellow) flowers over soft, gray-green foliage. Many species and hybrids are grown as easy, drought-tolerant edging and border plants; one species, Nepeta cataria (catnip), is grown specifically for its famous effect on cats.

Pros

  • Long pollinator-friendly bloom season
  • Responds well to shearing for repeat blooms
  • Easy to grow and maintain: adaptable, drought-tolerant, deer/rabbit-resistant

Cons

  • Can look messy midseason
  • Needs deadheading for longest bloom
  • Can spread aggressively
  • Attractive to cats (hello Catmint!)
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 8 - 36 inches tall. 12 - 36 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Dry - Medium
Zones 3a - 8b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Dry, Full Sun, Good for Borders, Good for Rock Garden, Low Maintenance, Medium, Mounded, Non-Allergenic, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant
Bloom Period Late Spring to Fall
Flower Color Blue/Violet (varies by species)
 

Rankings
 

More Info from Experts

Photos of This with...

Spider Salmon with Dark Eye Gerbera Daisy
 

Catmint Available Soon

Cat's Meow Catmint
(Nepeta x faassenii 'Cat's Meow')
From $12.75

Kit Cat Nepeta
(Nepeta x faassenii 'Kit Cat')
From $11.27

Purrsian Blue Nepeta
(Nepeta x faassenii 'Purrsian Blue')
From $7.10

Blue Wonder Catmint
(Nepeta racemosa 'Blue Wonder')
From $88.35

Walker's Low Catmint
(Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low')
From $8.38

Junior Walker Catmint
(Nepeta x faassenii 'Novanepjun' JUNIOR WALKER)
From $11.27

Early Bird Catmint
(Nepeta faassenii 'Early Bird')
From $12.75

Cat's Pajamas Catmint
(Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas')
From $16.63

Prelude Blue Nepeta
(Nepeta subsessilis 'Balneplud')
From $74.40

Prelude Purple Nepeta
(Nepeta subsessilis 'Balprelurp')
From $11.27

Blue Wonder Catmint
(Nepeta faassenii 'Blue Wonder')
From $9.18

Chartreuse on the Loose Catmint
(Nepeta 'Chartreuse on the Loose')
From $11.27
Lemon Purrfection Catmint
(Nepeta 'Lemon Purrfection')
From $83.70
Nova Blue Catmint
(Nepeta faassenii 'Nova Blue')
From $69.75
Serene Lilac Catmint
(Nepeta x faassenii 'Serene Lilac')
From $69.75

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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


Estimated Recipe Cost

The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.


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