Catmint Nepeta x faassenii
Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family, native to Garden hybrid (Nepeta racemosa x N. nepetella); parents from the Caucasus and southern Europe. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Catmint in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Catmint at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Garden hybrid (Nepeta racemosa x N. nepetella); parents from the Caucasus and southern Europe |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany |
Is Catmint toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, essential oil
Nepeta is only mildly toxic to pets (ASPCA lists catnip for vomiting and diarrhoea in large amounts); cats are attracted to it.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Catmint
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Catmint in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden (12 plants)
- Riverside botanical garden (16 plants)
Questions about Catmint
- How far apart should I plant Catmint?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Catmint need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Catmint need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Catmint?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Catmint flower?
- From about May for 9–13 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Catmint poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Nepeta is only mildly toxic to pets (ASPCA lists catnip for vomiting and diarrhoea in large amounts); cats are attracted to it.
- What grows well with Catmint?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Catmint. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Shearing after the first flush encourages a second bloom in late summer.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare