Nepeta x faassenii Cats Meow (Catmint)

Noted for its neat and tidy habit, Nepeta x faassenii ‘Cats Meow’ (Catmint) is a vigorous herbaceous perennial forming a dense, rounded clump of small, aromatic, gray-green leaves all season long. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems boasting showy spikes of sky blue flowers with purple calyces.

Noted for its neat and tidy habit, Nepeta x faassenii 'Cats Meow' (Catmint) is a vigorous herbaceous perennial forming a dense, rounded clump of small, aromatic, gray-green leaves all season long. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems boasting showy spikes of sky blue flowers with purple calyces. Low maintenance, drought tolerant, deer resistant, long-lasting blooms, Catmint is a wonderful garden plant. Plant in large drifts along a walkway to create a garden space that overflows with color and enjoy its mint scent when bruised.

  • Typically grows in spreading clumps, up to 18-20 inches tall (45-50 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Performs best in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Provide light afternoon shade in warm summer areas.
  • A remarkably low-maintenance plant, this excellent performer is highly versatile and can be used in many situations: in the front of the perennial border, in gravel gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens. It is also great for edging beds, along paths. Nepeta is perfect for underplanting roses as the colors complement each other and the foliage hides the bare feet of the rose bushes.
  • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, but is ignored by deer and rabbits.
  • Extremely easy growing plant with few pests or problems. Watch for leafhoppers or powdery mildew.
  • May be cut back before first flowering to promote more compact size. Shear flower spikes after flowering to encourage a second flowering. Best propagated by division in spring or fall.

Requirements

Hardiness 3
– 8

Heat Zones 1
– 8

Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Nepeta – Catmints
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 24″
– 36″
(60cm
– 90cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage