Catmint
Nepeta faassenii · Lamiaceae
The gardener's calendar
Catmint is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Nepeta faassenii
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Plant type
- Perennial herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- May to September
- Flower color
- Lavender blue-violet
- Adult size
- 45 cm height
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15°C)
- Origin
- Caucasus Asia
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Nepeta flowers non-stop from April to September if you deadhead spent blooms every 2-3 weeks. Light, well-drained soil is all it needs; no watering once established.
The common mistake
Leaving spent flowers on the plant: it pours energy into seed production and stops flowering.
The pro's trick
Trim it back by half in late June after the first flush of blooms: you'll get a second, even more generous bloom in September.
Care
Sunlight exposure
Catmint thrives in full sun for generous flowering and compact growth. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less abundantly. Place it in an airy location to promote harmonious development and limit stagnant moisture.
Watering
Once established, this plant is undemanding for water and tolerates drought well. Water regularly during the first year to encourage root development. After that, only intervene during prolonged dry periods or in extreme heat.
Soil and planting
Catmint prefers well-drained, light and lean soil. Improve with sand or gravel if needed to prevent water accumulation. It is indifferent to pH and adapts well to nutrient-poor soils.
Pruning and maintenance
Cut back the plant lightly after the first flowering (mid-July) to encourage a new flush of flowers in autumn. In late winter or early spring, remove dry or damaged stems to rejuvenate the clump.
Fertilizing
Catmint is not demanding for fertilizer. A very light application in spring is more than sufficient. Avoid rich fertilizers that would promote lush foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
This plant is very robust and rarely affected by serious diseases. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot in case of excess moisture. Occasionally inspect for spider mites in very dry climates.
Did you know?
Catmint is traditionally associated with felines: the Nepeta genus contains nepetalactone, a compound that attracts domestic and wild cats, which find it genuinely addictive! Flowering generously throughout summer, it is also a valuable nectar plant for bees and butterflies, making it an ally for the ecological gardener and animal welfare.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.