What soil does Catmint grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy.

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Catmint flower?

Flowering: May–September, blue, purple, white.

How much water does Catmint need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Catmint cost?

It sells for roughly €3.80 to €9.20 in local shops, depending on size.

Catmint

Nepeta × faassenii

Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) is a perennial. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €3.80.

Illustration of Catmint — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A loose mound of grey-green, aromatic foliage that carries clouds of lavender-blue flowers from May to September and is a favourite of pollinators. Plant it in sun and average or poor, well-drained soil as an edging along paths or in front of roses; it is very drought tolerant. Shear it by half after the first big flush and it tightens up and flowers again. Cultivars differ mainly in size: 'Kit Cat', 'Junior Walker', 'Purrsian Blue' and 'Cat's Meow' stay a dense 30 to 45 cm and do not fall open, 'Six Hills Giant' reaches 90 cm and spreads wider still, while 'Snowflake' and 'Alba' are white. It is a sterile hybrid and does not seed around. Cats like to lie and roll in it and may flatten young plants.

Watch out for

Taller cultivars split open in the middle after flowering or in rich soil; shearing puts this right. In heavy soil that stays wet in winter the crown can rot, and powdery mildew may appear in humid spots. Cats can trample newly planted clumps, so protect them with a few twiggy sticks for the first weeks.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 50 cm × 80 cm
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–September, blue, purple, white

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	50 cm × 80 cm
Ultimate size	30–90 cm × 0.4–1.2 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–September, blue, purple, white
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €3.80

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
25-30 cm	approx. €5.10
30-40 cm	approx. €5.10
size not stated	approx. €3.80 – €9.20

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials that flower all summer Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers Low-maintenance perennials Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Fragrant perennials

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