Catmint

Care Instructions:

This herbaceous perennial forms rounded clumps with silver-green foliage, topped by airy flower spikes for months on end. It thrives in sunny or partially shaded sites, tolerates poor soil as long as it’s drained well, and is a magnet for bees and butterflies. Whether used as a filler, a fragrant edge, or a wildlife draw, catmint brings garden longevity and ease.

Light

Best in full sun to maximize bloom density. Tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter locales.

Water

Needs regular moisture only during the initial establishment. Later, it tolerates quite dry soil.

Soil

Prefers well-drained soil—doesn’t do well in wet or compacted ground. Performs well in light, sandy, or poor soils.

Temperature

Hardy and low-maintenance through winter—no extra protection needed in most climates.

Humidity

Handles typical garden conditions; a bit of airflow will help prevent mildew.

Fertilizer

No need for feeding—catmint thrives in lean soils and low inputs.

Best Placement Ideas

• Along borders or paths to soften hard edges with low mounding greenery
• In cottage gardens alongside roses, foxgloves, or hollyhocks
• Planted on banks or in wall crevices to handle hot, dry spots
• As groundcover for bright, nectar-rich drifts in wildlife-friendly gardens

Common Issues

• May succumb to powdery mildew on rare occasions
• Cat traffic can damage plants through rolling or marking
• Overcrowding clumps may produce fewer flowers over time

Things to Watch Out For

• Remove and destroy any mildew-affected leaves early
• Use cat deterrents like repellant gels or thorny twigs to protect foliage
• Divide clumps in spring if flowering starts to fade due to crowding
• Watch soil moisture—overly damp ground can reduce plant vigor

Propagation Tips

Divide large clumps in early spring (March–April), replanting sections to rejuvenate flowering or expand coverage. Stem cuttings taken in April also root easily in damp compost but division remains easiest and most reliable.

Maintenance Tips

Deadhead old flower stems in July to encourage fresh flowering. At the end of the season (October), cut plants to ground level to lead into strong spring regrowth. Little ongoing care is needed beyond these simple steps.