Catmint produces clouds of small blue-purple flowers from late spring into fall. Aromatic silver-green foliage deters deer. Drought-tolerant and shrubs off to revive after a mid-summer haircut. "Walker's Low" is the landscape standard.
Sun: Full sun. Water: Low. Zones: 3–8. Height: 1–3 ft. Bloom time: Late spring to fall.
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Shear back by half in mid-summer for a second flush of bloom. Divide every 3–4 years. "Walker's Low" and "Cat's Pajamas" stay compact; older varieties flop.
Häufige Fragen
01 Will my cat actually react to catmint the way it does to catnip?
Only sometimes — catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) contains far less nepetalactone than true catnip (Nepeta cataria). Most cats ignore ornamental catmint. If you want the cat-attracting effect, plant N. cataria separately.
02 When should I cut back catmint?
Shear back by half in early July after the first big bloom flush. This triggers a second wave of flowers within 2–3 weeks. In fall, leave stems standing for winter interest; cut to the ground in early spring before new growth.
03 Why is my catmint flopping open?
Too-rich soil, too much shade, or older cultivar. 'Walker's Low' and 'Cat's Pajamas' stay tight and upright. Older varieties like 'Six Hills Giant' flop by midsummer. Shearing hard in July usually resets flopping plants into a compact second-flush mound.