The short answer

Quick Answer

Catmint thrives in full sun or full shade on chalky soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 40 to 60cm tall and wide. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Shear after first flowering in July, then again in early autumn if needed

How: Chop the whole plant back by half. New growth and a second flush appear within 3 weeks

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Europe and western Asia, including the Caucasus

Native or exotic: Some Nepeta species are native to UK chalk downland

History: Cultivated in UK gardens since the 1700s

Folklore: In medieval times, catmint was planted around homes to bring good luck

Fun fact: Catmint contains nepetalactone, which affects about two thirds of cats. The plant is harmless and cats simply roll in it

Historical medicinal uses: Mildly sedative as a tea, similar to chamomile. Cats may eat it for digestion

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Excellent for bees. Long-tongued bumblebees especially [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 9 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [3][4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 High. Long flowering window[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Peak flowering late May to July, with a second flush into September[3][4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Classic partner for roses. Hides the bare legs of rose bushes. Pairs with lavender, salvia and alliums

Pest control: Aromatic foliage repels aphids and flea beetles

Common diseases and issues: Generally trouble-free. Occasionally powdery mildew

Invasive note: Not invasive. Some self-seeding in species forms

CGM care note

We use the variety Walkers Low most often. It is the most reliable, compact and long-flowering for the front of mixed borders.

CGM guides mentioning Catmint

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Catmint and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Catmint

How Catmint fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Aquilegia (Columbine), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Catmint.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Catmint are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Catmint (Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta faassenii). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Catmint. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Nepeta racemosa and Nepeta faassenii. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Lamiaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Dmitruk M, Sulborska A, Konarska A, et al. (2019). Floral biology and insect visiting of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae). Acta Agrobotanica, 72(2), 1767.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Lamiaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: pollinators, pollinator_rank, seasonal_highlight, companion_planting.

  4. 4
    Hicks DM, Ouvrard P, Baldock KCR, et al. (2016). Food for pollinators: quantifying the nectar and pollen resources of urban flower meadows. PLOS ONE, 11(6), e0158117.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 9/10 for Catmint. The pollinator description above ("Excellent for bees. Long-tongued bumblebees especially") is consistent with this study's finding that plants in the high-nectar-yield category attract exceptional numbers of bees, butterflies, and moths. The Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Long flowering window") is supported by the study's quantification of nectar resources during the mid-summer flowering period (Seasonal highlight: "Peak flowering late May to July, with a second flush into September"). Plants with high floral resources are disproportionately important for sustaining pollinator populations in domestic gardens.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 9/10 and the Pollinators description ("Excellent for bees. Long-tongued bumblebees especially"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Catmint's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Long flowering window") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Catmint. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Catmint's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Lamiaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Catmint. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Catmint. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Catmint. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Catmint. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Catmint. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Catmint. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Catmint. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Catmint performs well locally

Towns where Catmint is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover