Catmint (Nepeta): Best Varieties, Growing Guide & Landscape Ideas
Published: December 13, 2023 | Updated: May 22, 2026
Long-lasting color, pollinator magnet, zero fuss. What's not to love?
Catmint (Nepeta) is a popular choice for walkways and sidewalk borders thanks to its drought tolerance and long bloom season. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio.
Looking for a perennial that blooms for months, laughs at drought, and brings every bee and butterfly in the neighborhood to your garden? Meet catmint (Nepeta), a standout member of the mint family that punches well above its weight. A hardy perennial grown for its long-blooming flowers and aromatic foliage, catmint is a go-to plant for low-maintenance gardens in zones 3–8.
With soft, aromatic, silvery-green foliage and airy spikes of small tubular flowers, the catmint plant is as beautiful in the off-season as it is in full bloom. Most varieties bloom in the lavender-purple-blue range, though a handful of newer cultivars are pushing the palette, including the pink-flowering ‘Whispurr Pink’ and the golden-leaved ‘Lemon Purrfection’. It thrives in sunny borders, rock gardens, and cottage-style landscapes, and it earns its keep with almost no effort on your part.
The Nepeta genus includes dozens of species and hundreds of cultivars, and breeders keep introducing new varieties with fresh colors, compact habits, and extended bloom times. Whether you're looking for a tidy edging plant for the front of the border or a bold statement perennial for a larger bed, there's a catmint for you.
The Cat's Meow catmint variety (see # 7 on this list) brings bold purple color to the front of this garden border landscaping. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
In this guide, I'm covering 12 of the best catmint varieties, from compact front-of-border picks to tall, dramatic statement plants, plus everything you need to know about growing, pruning, and designing with catmint in your landscape. I'll also settle the catmint vs. catnip debate once and for all (and answer the question every cat owner wants to know).
All photos in this article are real images, either taken by me or sourced directly from trusted nurseries and growers, because you deserve to see exactly how these plants look in real life, not an AI-generated version of perfection.
Catmint at a Glance
Quick reference for Nepeta
Common name: Catmint, Faassen's catmint
Botanical name: Nepeta (various species and hybrids)
Hardiness zones: 3–8
Light: Full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade
Mature size: 8 inches to 3 feet tall, depending on variety
Bloom time: Late spring through summer; reblooms with deadheading
Flower colors: Purple, blue-violet, lavender, pink
Deer resistant: Yes
Drought tolerant: Yes, once established
Attracts: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators
Native range: Europe, Middle East, and Africa
12 Best Catmint Varieties for Your Garden
From compact front-of-border edging plants to bold, sprawling statement perennials, there's a catmint variety for every garden style and size. Here are 12 of the best, organized from smallest to tallest to help you find the right fit for your space.
Cat's Pajamas
(Nepeta 'Cat's Pajamas')
Cat's Pajamas catmint is a compact, early-blooming variety that makes a tidy, weed-suppressing edge along a lawn or garden border. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Flower Color: Blue-Purple
Size: 12–14 inches tall, 18–20 inches wide
Attributes: Long blooming; blue-purple flowers; compact, tidy mounded habit; long season of bloom.
Landscaping Ideas: Front of the border, edging, container planting, rock garden.
Designer's Notes: Cat's Pajamas earns its spot at the front of the border with its early bloom time and tidy, well-behaved mounded habit with no flopping, no sprawling, just a reliable cushion of purple flowers from late spring through summer. It's one of the shorter, more compact catmints available, which makes it a great choice for smaller gardens or anywhere you need a low-growing plant that stays put.
2. Catwalk Queen
(Nepeta 'Catwalk Queen')
Catwalk Queen catmint produces unusually large lavender-blue flowers for such a compact plant, making it a standout choice for the front of the border. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Flower Color: Lavender blue
Size: 10–12 inches tall, 18–20 inches wide
Attributes: Exceptionally large flowers for a compact plant; low-growing, sturdy habit; long bloom season.
Landscaping Ideas: Front of the border, edging along walkways and driveways, rock garden.
Designer's Notes: What makes Catwalk Queen stand out in the compact catmint category is the flower size. The lavender-blue blooms are noticeably larger than you'd expect on such a low-growing plant, giving it a visual impact that punches well above its 10–12 inch height. The sturdy habit means it holds its shape without cutting back as frequently as some other varieties, making it a particularly low-maintenance option for edging along walkways or driveways where you want season-long color without constant attention.
3. Kitten Around
(Nepeta faassenii 'Kitten Around')
Kitten Around catmint forms a tidy, spreading mound smothered in periwinkle blue flowers with rosy calyxes, making it a great choice for mass planting along a border edge. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Flower Color: Periwinkle blue
Size: 12–14 inches tall, 20–22 inches wide
Attributes: Compact and low growing; profuse flowers; tidy mounded habit; long bloom season.
Landscaping Ideas: Front of the border, mass planting, edging, rock garden.
Designer's Notes: Kitten Around is a reliable, easy-to-love compact catmint that delivers a generous flush of periwinkle blue flowers with rose-colored calyxes on a tidy, mounded plant. It spreads a little wider than it is tall, which makes it excellent for mass planting along a border edge where you want good coverage without height, or as a colorful filler for sunny garden beds.
4. Lemon Purrfection
(Nepeta 'Lemon Purrfection')
Lemon Purrfection catmint is as much a foliage plant as it is a flowering one, with eye-cathcing golden yellow leaves. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Flower Color: Lavender blue
Size: 10–12 inches tall, 16–18 inches wide
Attributes: Bright golden-yellow foliage; lavender-blue flowers; compact and tidy; foliage interest even when not in bloom.
Landscaping Ideas: Front of the border, container planting, rock garden, walkway edging.
Designer's Notes: Lemon Purrfection breaks the catmint mold, and in the best possible way. It brings something extra to the garden: vivid golden-yellow foliage that lights up the border even before the lavender-blue flowers arrive. The color contrast between the yellow leaves and the cool purple-blue blooms is eye-catching, and it pairs beautifully with deep purple or blue perennials nearby.
5. Chartreuse on the Loose
(Nepeta x 'Chartreuse on the Loose')
Chartreuse on the Loose is a low-growing, spreading catmint with vivid lime-green foliage. Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com
Flower Color: Lavender blue
Size: 8–10 inches tall, 20–24 inches wide
Attributes: Bright lime-green foliage; lavender-blue flower spikes; low-growing and spreading; ideal for edging.
Landscaping Ideas: Front of the border, edging, spilling over retaining walls, rock garden.
Designer's Notes: At just 8–10 inches tall but spreading up to 24 inches wide, Chartreuse on the Loose is the ground-hugging spreader of the group, with lime-green foliage unlike anything else in the catmint family. Use it to soften the hard lines of walkways, sidewalks and retaining walls. It's perfectly suited for anywhere you need a low, spreading plant with serious visual personality.
6. Neptune
Nepeta kubanica 'Bokratune'
Neptune catmint stands apart from other Nepeta varieties with its large, fresh green leaves and upright narrow habit. Image courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company
Flower Color: Violet blue
Size: 8–12 inches tall, 8–10 inches wide
Attributes: Upright, narrow habit; larger fresh green leaves; violet-blue flowers; smaller overall footprint.
Landscaping Ideas: Front to middle of the border, narrow beds, mixed containers, pollinator garden.
Designer's Notes: Neptune is the odd one out in the catmint lineup, and that's exactly what makes it useful. Where most catmints spread wide and mound softly, Neptune grows in a more upright, narrow column, making it a great choice for tight spaces where a typical spreading catmint simply won't fit. The foliage is also noticeably different with larger and fresher green leaves instead of the typical silvery gray, which gives it a slightly bolder, more textural presence in the border. A different species altogether (Nepeta kubanica rather than the usual faassenii hybrids), Neptune brings botanical variety to the group.
7. Cat's Meow
Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Meow'
Cat's Meow has a dense, uniform mounding habit and long season of bloom. Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com
Flower Color: Purple blue
Size: 17–20 inches tall, 24–36 inches wide
Attributes: Dense, uniform mounded habit; purple-blue flowers; tidy and well-behaved; abundant blooms.
Landscaping Ideas: Middle of the border, mass planting, edging along walkways and driveways, pollinator garden.
Designer's Notes: Cat's Meow is the workhorse of the catmint world, and I mean that as the highest compliment! The dense, uniform mounding habit stays tidy all season without much intervention, and the purple-blue flowers just keep coming. At up to 36 inches wide it makes an excellent mass planting plant, covering ground beautifully while crowding out weeds. Easy to grow and forgiving for beginners, Cat's Meow is an excellent choice for beginning gardeners and one of the most rewarding perennials you can add to a sunny border.
8. Purrsian Blue
Nepeta faassenii 'Purrsian Blue'
Purrsian Blue catmint is an excellent mass planting choice. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Flower Color: Periwinkle blue with dark purple calyxes
Size: 14–18 inches tall, 18–30 inches wide
Attributes: Compact and tidy; periwinkle blue flowers; dense mounded habit; long bloom season.
Landscaping Ideas: Middle of the border, mass planting, edging, pollinator garden, rock garden.
Designer's Notes: Purrsian Blue sits in the sweet spot between compact and mid-size. It’s tidy enough for the front of a larger border but substantial enough to hold its own in a mixed perennial planting. The periwinkle blue flowers are a slightly softer, cooler tone than many other catmints, which makes it especially versatile as a planting companion.
9. Whispurr™ Pink
Nepeta x faassenii 'Balpurrink'
Whispurr Pink™ is the only pink catmint in this lineup. Image courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company.
Flower Color: Soft pink
Size: 24-28 inches tall, 18-22 inches wide
Attributes: Soft pink flowers; larger blooms; upright mounding habit; unique pink flowers
Landscaping Ideas: Middle of the border, cottage garden, pollinator garden, paired with roses.
Designer's Notes: Whispurr Pink is one to reach for when you want the easygoing nature of catmint but need something other than purple or blue in your color palette. The soft pink flowers are larger than most catmints and have a romantic quality that fits beautifully into cottage-style plantings and works well as a companion plant for roses.
10. Junior Walker™
Nepeta x faassenii 'Novanepjun'
Junior Walker™ catmint inherits all the charm of the classic Walker's Low in a smaller, more compact plant that's a much easier fit for smaller garden beds. Image courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company
Flower Color: Lavender purple
Size: 18 inches tall, 30 inches wide
Attributes: Compact form; lavender-purple flowers; long bloom season; well-behaved habit.
Landscaping Ideas: Border garden, smaller garden beds, cottage garden, pollinator garden, paired with roses.
Designer's Notes: Junior Walker™ was bred from the classic Walker's Low and inherits all of its best qualities (the lavender-purple flowers, the long bloom season, the easygoing nature) in a plant that's roughly one third the size. It’s a great choice for small yards and urban spaces.
11. Walker's Low
Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low'
Walker's Low is one of the most beloved catmint varieties in the landscape design world, with a loose, sprawling habit and abundance of lavender purple flowers. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Flower Color: Lavender purple
Size: 24–36 inches tall and wide
Attributes: Long season of bloom; lavender-purple flowers; loose, sprawling habit; one of the most popular catmint varieties available.
Landscaping Ideas: Middle to back of the border, mass planting, cottage garden, pollinator garden, paired with roses.
Designer's Notes: Walker's Low is the catmint that put the whole genus on the map for modern gardeners, and it remains one of the most beloved perennials in the landscape design world. Despite the name, this is not a low-growing plant! It's a full, sprawling perennial with a relaxed, arching habit It brings a soft, romantic quality to the landscape, especially when planted in mass. A good cutback after the first flush of blooms will bring a fresh wave of flowers.
12. Tall Tails
Nepeta 'Tall Tails'
Tall Tails is one of the newest and most dramatic catmints available. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
Flower Color: Lavender blue
Size: 28–32 inches tall, 36–40 inches wide
Attributes: Upright stems; long flower spikes; lavender-blue flowers; bold, dramatic presence in the landscape.
Landscaping Ideas: Middle to back of the border, mass planting, large-scale landscape design, pollinator garden.
Designer's Notes: Tall Tails is the most dramatic catmint in this lineup! At up to 32 inches tall and an impressive 40 inches wide, it makes a bold statement in the landscape. The long, upright flower spikes are a notable feature, producing an abundance of lavender-blue blooms that sway beautifully in a breeze and draw pollinators from across the garden. Use it in large-scale borders, as a sweeping mass planting, or anywhere you want substantial blooms to fill up a space. Newer to the market and still gaining wider distribution, it's worth seeking out.
How to Grow Catmint
Catmint is one of the easiest perennials you can grow, but a few key conditions make the difference between a plant that survives and one that truly thrives.
When to Plant
The best time to plant catmint is in spring or fall, when milder temperatures give the roots time to establish before summer heat or winter cold sets in. Spring planting gives the plant a full growing season to get established, while fall planting takes advantage of cooler weather to reduce transplant stress. Avoid planting during peak summer heat or when the ground is frozen.
Water newly planted catmint deeply and consistently for the remainder of the season to help the roots establish. Even drought-tolerant plants need consistent moisture when they're getting started.
Sun, Soil & Drainage
Catmint thrives in full sun and tolerates a bit of light afternoon shade. It grows best in sandy or loamy soil but will adapt to clay, as long as drainage is good. This is the one non-negotiable: catmint does not tolerate wet, soggy soil. Constant moisture around the roots will quickly lead to rot. If your sunny spot has poorly draining soil, amend it with compost, sand, or perlite before planting or choose a different location entirely.
Spacing
Plant catmint using on center spacing, measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next, not edge to edge. Compact varieties need 18–24 inches on center, mid-size varieties 24–30 inches, and larger varieties like Walker's Low and Tall Tails 30–36 inches. When in doubt, use the mature width on the plant tag as your guide.
Watering & Mulching
Water newly planted catmint regularly until established. Once established, catmint is drought-tolerant and requires very little supplemental watering except during extended dry periods. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch pulled back slightly from the stems to prevent rot.
Fertilizing
Catmint does not need supplemental fertilizer, and in fact, overly rich soil can lead to floppy growth and reduced flowering. A thin layer of compost worked into the soil in early spring is all it needs to support healthy growth throughout the season.
Propagation
Catmint can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, or seed, though most gardeners find division to be the simplest method.
Division: Divide established clumps in early spring or fall every three to four years. Dig up the entire plant, separate it into smaller sections, and replant immediately. Division also helps rejuvenate older plants that have become woody or less floriferous over time.
Stem cuttings: Take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep moist until roots establish.
Seed: Most hybrid catmint cultivars are sterile and will not come true from seed. For home gardeners, division or stem cuttings are the more reliable propagation methods.
Pests & Diseases
Catmint is largely trouble-free. Aphids and spider mites can occasionally appear but are rarely a serious problem. The most common issues are caused by overwatering or poor drainage: yellowing leaves and brown, rotting stems are the telltale signs.
How to Keep Catmint Blooming
One of catmint's best qualities is its willingness to rebloom. With a little encouragement, most varieties will produce two or even three flushes of flowers throughout the season.
Pruning & Cutting Back
When the first flush of spring flowers begins to fade, give the entire plant a hard shearing: cut it back by about one third using sharp pruning shears. This stimulates fresh new growth and encourages a second, often just as generous, flush of blooms in late summer. Don't be shy about cutting it back; catmint is tough and responds enthusiastically to a good trim.
A mass planting of catmint softens the hard edges of this urban sidewalk, and thrives in heat that would challenge other plants. Image © Plant and Bloom Design Studio
Planting Companions for Catmint
Catmint combines beautifully with a wide range of plants. It’s an easy-going perennial that plays well with almost everything. It's also one of the classic rose companions in the landscape design world. The soft, airy flower spikes complement the more structured form of a rose shrub beautifully, and the lavender-purple color works with almost any rose from blush pink to deep red. Try Whispurr Pink alongside a blush or white rose for a soft, romantic combination, or use Walker's Low or Junior Walker™ with a deep red or magenta rose for a bolder, more dramatic effect. Here are more planting ideas to get you started:
Perennial Planting Companion Ideas:
Hummelo Betony (Stachys officianalis ‘Hummelo’)
Blackbeard Penstemon (Penstemon ‘Blackbeard’)
Helen von Stein Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina ‘Helen von Stein’)
Boom Chocolatta Hardy Geranium (Geranium pratense ‘Boom Chocolatta’)
Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
Creme Caramel Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Creme Caramel’)
Ballerina Pink Salvia (Salvia ‘Ballerina Pink’)
Millenium Ornamental Onion (Allium ‘Millenium’)
Lemon Meringue Baptisia (Baptisia ‘Lemon Meringue’)
White Swan Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea ‘White Swan’)
Variegated Liriope (Liriope muscari ‘Variegata’)
White Wands Speedwell (Veronica ‘White Wands’)
Sarah Bernhardt Peony (Paeonia lactiflora 'Sarah Bernhardt')
Catmint is a classic planting companion for roses. Image credit @fotokate via Canva.com
Shrub Planting Companion Ideas:
Peach Drift® Groundcover Rose (Rosa 'Meiggili')
Blushing Knockout® Shrub Rose (Rosa ‘Radyod’)
Little Lime® Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’ Little Lime®)
Anna’s Magic Ball® Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Anna van Vloten')
Otto Luyken Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’)
Dwarf Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria ‘Globosa Nana’)
Oak Leaf™ Holly (Ilex conaf)
Soft Touch Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Soft Touch’)
Little Missy Boxwood (Buxus ‘Little Missy’)
Green Mountain Boxwood (Buxus ‘Green Mountain’)
NewGen Independence® Boxwood (Buxus ‘SB108’)
Is Catmint Deer Resistant?
Yes, catmint is deer resistant. The pungent, aromatic foliage is unappealing to deer, and Rutgers University rates catmint as "rarely damaged" on their List of Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance, the highest rating on their scale.
That said, no plant is truly deer-proof. When food is scarce, hungry deer will eat almost anything, including plants they typically avoid. If deer pressure is high in your area, protective netting or fencing may still be necessary to protect your plants.
Catmint vs. Catnip
Catmint and catnip are often confused, and understandably so. Both belong to the Nepeta genus and share similar flower shapes, aromatic foliage, and a fondness for sunny, well-drained spots. But they are not the same plant, and the differences matter for gardeners.
Catmint
The term catmint refers to the many ornamental species and hybrid cultivars within the Nepeta genus, including all 12 varieties covered in this guide. Grown primarily for their garden value, catmint hybrids have a tidy, clump-forming habit, attractive silvery-green foliage, and a long season of profuse bloom. Most hybrid cultivars are sterile, meaning they won't self-seed or spread aggressively in the garden. While some cats may show mild interest in catmint, most ignore it entirely.
Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a specific species within the genus, best known for its effect on cats. The compound nepetalactone found in catnip triggers a temporary euphoric response in many cats, causing them to roll, rub, and nibble on the plant enthusiastically. In the garden, catnip has a weedier, less ornamental appearance than catmint, flowers sparsely, and has a tendency to self-seed and spread. It's grown primarily by cat owners and herb gardeners interested in its uses for teas and natural insect repellents rather than for its garden value.
The short version: plant catmint for beautiful flowers and a well-behaved garden plant; plant catnip if you want to make your cat's day.
Will Catmint Attract Cats?
It’s a common question for pet owners and gardeners alike: will catmint attract cats? While catmint is related to catnip (as discussed above), it doesn’t usually have the same irresistible effect on felines.
Some cats may show interest, like sniffing and rubbing against the leaves or sitting on the plant. But many cats tend to ignore it altogether.
So if you're worried that planting catmint will turn your yard into the neighborhood's feline hangout, don’t be too worried, because it probably won't. The ornamental varieties of catmint, especially the popular Nepeta hybrids, are far less likely to attract cats than true catnip.
As a cat owner, this advice comes with a caveat: just because most cats ignore catmint doesn’t mean yours won’t suddenly decide it’s their new favorite hangout. Because, let’s be honest, cats do whatever they want, whenever they want. 😜
Frequently Asked Questions About Catmint
Is catmint a perennial?
Yes, catmint is a hardy perennial in zones 3–8, meaning it will die back in winter and return reliably each spring. Once established, a healthy catmint plant can thrive in the same spot for many years with minimal care.
Is catmint evergreen?
Catmint is not evergreen. It dies back to the ground in winter and re-emerges in spring. In mild climates at the warmer end of its hardiness range, the foliage may persist longer into fall, but it is not a plant you can count on for winter interest.
How tall does catmint grow?
It depends on the variety. Compact cultivars like Cat's Pajamas and Catwalk Queen stay under 14 inches tall, mid-size varieties like Cat's Meow reach 17–20 inches, and larger varieties like Tall Tails can reach 28–32 inches tall. Always check the mature size of the specific cultivar you're planting.
Does catmint spread like mint?
No, catmint does not spread aggressively like common mint. Most ornamental catmint cultivars are sterile hybrids that won't self-seed or spread beyond their designated clump. They will gradually expand in size over time, which is easily managed by division every few years. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is the exception because it does self-seed freely, but that is a different plant entirely.
Is catmint invasive?
Catmint is not considered invasive. The hybrid cultivars commonly sold at nurseries have been bred to be sterile and will not self-seed or spread aggressively. The USDA does not currently list catmint as an invasive species: you can verify at the USDA Database of Invasive and Noxious Plants.
Can catmint grow in shade?
Catmint grows best in full sun and is not well suited to shade. It will tolerate light afternoon shade, but too little sun results in leggy, floppy growth and significantly reduced flowering. For a flowering perennial that thrives in shade, consider alternatives like astilbe or bleeding heart.
Is catmint native to North America?
No, catmint is native to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It is not a North American native plant. If supporting local ecosystems with native plants is a priority for your garden, consider native alternatives like wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) or blue wild indigo (Baptisia australis), both of which offer similar pollinator value.
Is catmint safe for cats?
Yes, catmint is safe for cats and is not considered toxic. It may not trigger the same euphoric response as catnip, but it poses no harm to your feline friends. For a full list of cat-safe plants, the ASPCA maintains a comprehensive toxic and non-toxic plant database.