The Botanical Diary
C
Flowers

Catmint

Nepeta × faassenii
Also known ascatmint, catnip

Induces euphoria in cats — hence the plant's name

Regions
all regions
Colour
Ніжно-ліловий
Catmint (catmint, catnip)
🌸
Bloom
June–September
☀️
Light
Full sun / напівтінь
💧
Watering
Low
📏
Height
0,3–0,5 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 4

Faassen's Catmint is a true gem for anyone seeking an undemanding yet strikingly decorative plant. This hybrid arose from crossing several Nepeta species and was first described in the Netherlands in the early twentieth century. Since then, it has won the hearts of gardeners worldwide with its reliability and generous flowering.

The plant has an airy, ethereal appearance, as though scattered across the garden in thousands of delicate lilac-hued blooms. They unfurl from June and continue to delight until the first frosts arrive. The foliage is soft and fragrant, with a silvery-grey bloom—brush against it by chance and you'll immediately notice a pleasant minty scent. Several cultivars exist with varying flower shades: from pure lilac to pale pink and even white forms. Every gardener will find the one that harmonises perfectly with their garden vision.

In the garden, Catmint is a universal helper. It works beautifully in mixed borders, forming a light cloud between taller plants, and is excellent in rock gardens and containers. Its blooms attract countless butterflies and bees. If a cat frequents your garden, consider it a bonus—Nepeta genuinely induces euphoria in our feline companions. Interestingly, the flowers are drought-tolerant, so even during scorching summers the plant remains attractive without constant watering.

Gardeners often turn to this plant when they need something beautiful and steadfast that won't demand daily attention. Faassen's Catmint is the answer to that call. It simply grows, simply flowers, and simply brings joy.

Location & soil

Catmint — planting & location

LightFull sun / напівтінь
Soil typewell-drained, light
Planting timeApril або September
Plant spacing0,3–0,4 m
Planting depth8–10 см

Bee-friendly, repels pests, drought-tolerant

Water needs

How to water Catmint

IntensityLow
FrequencyEvery 14 days (в)
Volume5–7
MethodAt the base

Do not overwater

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Catmint

Spring fertilizingMineral complex fertiliser (April)
Summer fertilizingNo feeding required
Autumn fertilizingNo feeding required
Pruning timeПісля першого цвітіння (до 10 см)
Pruning typeРадикальна після цвітіння

Cut back to 10 cm to encourage new growth

Cold hardiness

Catmint — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 4
Winter coverWinter protection not required
Cover timing
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Catmint

Garden design

What grows well with Catmint?

Lavender, Iris, Rose