Catmint Nepeta x faassenii

Common Name:
Catmint

Description:
Catmint is a hardy, long-flowering perennial renowned for its soft, billowing habit and masses of lavender-blue flower spikes that create a haze of colour from spring through to autumn. Its aromatic grey-green foliage releases a pleasant herbal scent and is well known for attracting cats, as well as bees and other beneficial pollinators. This versatile plant thrives in Melbourne’s climate, performing best in full sun with well-drained soil and tolerating dry conditions once established. Catmint is ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and mass planting, where it forms a dense, low mound that softens edges and fills spaces beautifully. Regular trimming after flowering encourages repeat blooms and maintains a neat, compact shape, making it both a practical and ornamental garden staple.

Form:
Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding
Ground Cover

Mature Size:
Height: 0.3–0.6 m
Width: 0.5–1 m

Aspect:
Full Sun

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer
Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
Lavender blue
Purple

Key Attributes:
Bee Attracting
Cat attractant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant foliage
Herbaceous
Low Maintenance
Perennial
Suitable for Pots

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and pets; however, may cause mild digestive upset if consumed in large quantities.

Companion Plants:
Roses
Lavender
Salvia
Yarrow
Echinacea