How to grow catmint – expert advice for this fragrant perennial

If you are looking for English cottage garden plants, I do not think there is anything better than the scent and sight of catmint tumbling over walls or edging the garden path. With silver-green foliage, attractive perfume, and trumpet-like lilac blooms, catmint is a real performer, earning its place at the front of the garden border.

This aromatic flowering perennial is a favorite of mine, having grown catmint in several gardens where I have worked as a professional gardener. Catmint, or Nepeta, is one of those long-flowering plants that can add color and interest for much of the spring and summer, and with the right care, catmint will not fail to impress both gardeners and cats alike.

Considered one of the best perennials, learning how to grow catmint is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to know about soil, lighting requirements, and pruning that will ensure that your plants thrive. Here, garden experts share top tips to guarantee catmint success.

How to grow catmint

With scented foliage and flowers, catmint is a reliable plant for the backyard. This low-growing plant will form attractive and colorful clumps in the backyard, returning year after year. The common name, catmint, is a result of this plant attracting cats, so be warned, you might soon be attracting members of the local feline community to your yard.

What to know about catmint

Catmint is a hardy and versatile flowering plant. 'Growing well in US hardiness zone 3 to US hardiness zone 8, catmint grows best in a sunny spot in the yard,' says Gail Pabst, gardening expert and Marketing Director for the National Garden Bureau.

Native to parts of Europe, Africa and Asia, Nepeta is a popular perennial, with different varieties grown in garden borders and containers across the world. One of the most popular and most used varieties is Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low', available as starter plants from Walmart. I have planted and grown this variety myself, and with the right care it flowers right through until fall.

'With the right maintenance, catmint will produce abundant summer flowers,' Gail adds. 'The trick is to know when to prune catmint at just the right time to encourage new growth.' Pruning in late winter or spring is generally recommended, but deadheading and trimming flower stems during the growing season can also help to encourage continued growth.

Gail Pabst

Gail is a passionate horticulturist with over 25 years' experience in the industry. She is an avid home gardener too and loves to try out the newest varieties and techniques. Gail is the Marketing Director for the National Garden Bureau and her work has helped her to continue their mission of inspiring, teaching and growing in gardening with others.

How to grow catmint

• Soil: Catmint, or Nepeta, must have free-draining soil. I have grown these Mediterranean plants in two different gardens when working as a gardener in Italy, and these plants tend to thrive in well-draining, loose, almost rocky soils. I would avoid planting catmint in heavy, clay-based soils, or any borders prone to waterlogging during the winter or spring.
• Light: 'Catmint plants need sunshine, and lots of it,' says Mike Murphy, garden expert and owner at You Had Me At Gardening. While these perennials can tolerate partial shade, 'yards in full sun will see the best results.'
• Watering: If you are looking to conserve water, catmint is a good perennial to plant. Considered drought-tolerant planting, catmint can grow fine with relatively little water during the spring and summer, as is common for plants with silver foliage. As with any newly planted perennials, I recommend watering at least once per week during spring and summer for the first year, just while they establish their root system.
• Fertilizing: Catmint is one of those plants that thrives on neglect. I would not advise fertilizing catmint, and this perennial grows just fine in nutrient-poor soils. One of the most common fertilizing mistakes is feeding plants when they do not need it, and with catmint, it is sensible to put the fertilizer back in the garden shed. For a boost, I would suggest annually mulching your borders in the fall or winter, which can help to improve the quality of your beds and provide everything that your perennials need. Mulch is available to buy online from Walmart.
• Pruning: 'March is the best time to prune catmint,' Mike continues. 'The trick is to prune your catmint plants just as new growth is beginning to emerge in spring.' Mike also recommends trimming your plants during the growing season, typically around May or June, to 'encourage vigorous growth and a second flowering later in the season.'

Mike Murphy

Mike grew up gardening with his parents and grandparents. He enjoys his backyard orchard of dwarf fruit trees, raspberry and blackberry patches, and raised garden boxes. In addition to his perennials, Mike enjoys sprouting new fruit and vegetable seeds every spring. 

FAQs

Can you grow catmint in pots?

Yes, catmint can be grown in pots, which is a good idea for those gardeners with smaller yards. While catmint is a drought-tolerant perennial, plants grown in pots will require more water than if they were grown in the ground, so monitoring watering requirements is important during the summer months.

Catmint is a low-maintenance perennial that is sure to add color and fragrance to any yard. For more information about using fragrant perennials, see our guide on how to design a fragrant garden, and fill your outside space with perfume this year.