Nepeta × faassenii (Catmint)
Nepeta × faassenii (Catmint)
Contents
Introduction & History
Catmint is the ornamental superstar of the Nepeta genus — a billowing, lavender-blue cloud of flowers that blooms for months on end, requiring almost no care, tolerating drought and poor soil, and covering itself in bees from May to September. While often confused with catnip, catmint is primarily a garden ornamental rather than a culinary herb, though its flowers are edible and its aromatic foliage makes a pleasant tea.
History & Origin
A garden hybrid between Nepeta racemosa and N. nepetella, first raised in the Netherlands by J.H. Faassen in the 1930s. Named by steam in 1939. The popular cultivar 'Walker's Low' won the Perennial Plant of the Year award in 2007. It has become one of the most widely planted perennials in temperate gardens worldwide, valued for its extraordinary length of bloom and drought tolerance.
Botanical Description
Herbaceous perennial forming soft, mounding clumps 30–50 cm tall and 40–60 cm wide. Leaves are small, grey-green, and aromatic. Masses of tiny, tubular, lavender-blue flowers on loose, arching spikes smother the plant from late spring through autumn. The overall effect is a soft, billowing haze of blue — one of the finest summer-flowering perennials. Sterile hybrid — does not self-seed.
Stem: Square (quadrangular) — diagnostic for Lamiaceae • Leaves: Opposite, decussate arrangement • Height: 45 cm at maturity • Spread: 45 cm • Foliage: grey-green • Flowers: lavender-blue (spring-autumn)
Planting & Cultivation
Plant nursery-grown specimens in spring, spacing 40–50 cm apart. Full sun and well-drained soil. Excellent along path edges (the mounding habit softens hard lines), in gravel gardens, at the front of borders, and as a low hedge. Tolerates poor, chalky, and sandy soils. Mass planting produces the most dramatic effect — a river of lavender-blue.
| Sun exposure | Full Sun |
| Soil pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Spacing | 45 cm |
| Seed depth | 3–6 mm (surface-sow if light-dependent germinator) |
| Water needs | Low |
| Soil type | Well-drained, humus-rich loam; add perlite or grit for drainage |
Cultivation Details
One of the most low-maintenance perennials. Full sun, well-drained soil, no feeding needed. After the first flush of flowers fades (usually early July), shear the entire plant back to 15 cm for a strong second bloom. This mid-season cutback is the single most important cultivation task. Divide every 3–4 years if the centre becomes sparse. Tolerates drought, heat, and poor soil.
Climate & Hardiness
Very hardy — to −30°C (USDA zones 3–8). Dies back in winter, re-emerging in spring. Tolerates heat and drought exceptionally well. Less suited to hot, humid climates (zones 9+) where it can become floppy and mildew-prone. Perfect for cold, dry winters and warm, dry summers.
USDA zones: 3-8
Minimum temperature: -30°C
Drought tolerance: Yes — established plants tolerate dry spells
Seasonal Care
Spring: new grey-green mounds appear. Late spring to early summer: first spectacular bloom. Midsummer: shear back to 15 cm after first flowering. Late summer: strong second bloom. Autumn: light third bloom possible; cut back as needed. Winter: dormant.
Propagation
By division in spring (the standard method). Stem cuttings in late spring. As a sterile hybrid, it produces no viable seed — must be propagated vegetatively. Division every 3–4 years keeps plants vigorous and provides new stock. Cuttings root in 3–4 weeks.
| Method | Success rate | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stem cuttings | 70–90% | 2—4 weeks | Softwood in spring, semi-ripe in summer; 8–12 cm |
| Division | 95%+ | Immediate | Split established clumps in spring or autumn |
| Seed | 50–80% | 14–28 days | Some require cold stratification; germination variable |
| Layering | 80–90% | 6–12 weeks | Pin low branch to soil; sever when rooted |
Diseases & Pests
Essentially pest-free. Occasionally powdery mildew in humid conditions. Cats are attracted to it but less intensely than to true catnip. Slugs may eat young spring shoots. No serious disease or pest problems. One of the most trouble-free perennials available.
Culinary Uses
Minor culinary use. Edible flowers add colour to salads and desserts. Leaves make a mild, minty-hay tea. Not a serious culinary herb — grow it for the bees, the beauty, and the ease rather than the kitchen. The flavour is pleasant but unremarkable compared to lemon balm, spearmint, or other mint-family herbs.
| Category | Pairing suggestions |
|---|---|
| Lamb | Classic pairing; mint sauce/jelly |
| Desserts | Chocolate, fruit salads, ice cream |
| Drinks | Mojito, tea, lemonade, julep |
| Salads | Tabbouleh, Vietnamese rolls, raita |
Medicinal & Aromatherapy
Contains nepetalactone and related compounds in lower concentrations than true catnip. Mild sedative and carminative properties in tea form. Not widely used medicinally — true catnip (N. cataria) is preferred for medicinal applications. The aromatherapy value is in the garden experience: the scent of sun-warmed catmint while gardening is genuinely calming.
| Compound | Properties |
|---|---|
| menthol | cooling, analgesic |
| menthone | minty, less cooling |
| pulegone | pennyroyal-like (toxic in excess) |
| linalool | floral, calming |
| rosmarinic acid | antioxidant polyphenol |
Container & Companion Growing
Container Growing
Possible in large containers (30+ cm) but better suited to garden planting where it can billow and spread. In containers, use well-draining compost and full sun. Water moderately. The arching habit is attractive cascading over container edges. Not a typical herb container plant — more of an ornamental.
• Minimum pot size: 25–30 cm Ø, 10 L+
• Contain runners; solo pot recommended
• Use free-draining potting compost with 20–30% perlite or grit
• Ensure drainage holes; stand on pot feet to prevent waterlogging
• Feed with dilute liquid fertiliser (half-strength) every 2–3 weeks in growing season
Companion Planting
Classic companion for roses — the billowing blue-lavender softens rose plantings beautifully and the aromatic foliage may deter some rose pests. Also stunning with ornamental grasses, salvia, echinacea, and white-flowering perennials. Excellent edging for vegetable gardens — the flowers attract masses of beneficial insects. One of the top 10 pollinator plants.
| ✓ Good companions | Brassicas, Tomatoes, Peas |
| ✗ Avoid planting with | Chamomile, Parsley |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing catmint with catnip — they are different species with different primary uses. Not shearing back after first flowering (missing the spectacular second bloom). Planting in too much shade, resulting in floppy, poorly flowering plants. Over-watering and over-feeding, which produce lush but weak growth. Not mass-planting — single specimens are far less impressive than drifts of 5+ plants.
Harvesting & Preservation
Harvest flowering sprigs for fresh arrangements or dry for sachets. The flowers are edible — scatter over salads for colour. Leaves make a mild, pleasant tea similar to but gentler than catnip tea. Dry bundles for pot-pourri. Not a significant culinary or medicinal herb — its value is overwhelmingly ornamental and ecological (pollinator support).
• Time of day: Early morning, after dew has evaporated but before intense midday heat volatilises essential oils
• Growth stage: Just before flowering, when essential oil concentration peaks. Once flowers open, the plant redirects energy from leaf production
• Season: Spring-Autumn
• Part harvested: Leaves, Flowers
• Harvest rule: Never remove more than ⅓ of the plant at once; this ensures continued vigorous regrowth
• Technique: Cut stems cleanly above a leaf node with sharp scissors or secateurs. Tearing damages tissue and invites disease
| Method | Process | Shelf life | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air drying | Tie bundles, hang upside down in warm, dark, airy space | 6–12 months | Most herbs |
| Oven / dehydrator | Spread on trays, 35–45°C until crisp | 6–12 months | Fleshy-leaved herbs |
| Freezing (whole) | Blanch 5s, ice bath, pat dry, freeze flat on tray | 6 months | Basil, chives, parsley |
| Freezing (oil cubes) | Chop fine, pack into ice cube tray, cover with olive oil | 6 months | Any culinary herb |
| Herb salt | Layer herb and coarse salt 1:4, dry and grind | 12+ months | Rosemary, thyme, sage |
| Infused vinegar | Pack jar, cover with warm vinegar, steep 2–4 weeks | 6 months | Tarragon, dill, basil |
| Infused oil | Fill jar with dried herb, cover with oil, steep 4–6 weeks | 3–6 months | Rosemary, thyme, chilli |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between catmint and catnip?
Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) is a sterile ornamental hybrid grown for its spectacular blue flowers. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a different species grown for its medicinal properties and effect on cats. Catmint has better flowers; catnip has stronger cat and medicinal effects.
When should I cut it back?
After the first flush of flowers fades (typically early July), shear the entire plant back to 15 cm. It will regrow and produce a strong second bloom in late summer. This single cutback is the key to a long season of flowers.
Do cats like catmint?
Some cats respond to catmint, but the reaction is usually milder than with true catnip. The nepetalactone content is lower. If cats are destroying your catmint, use wire hoops or thorny cuttings to deter them.
Seasonal Care Calendar
🌱 Spring (Mar–May)
Water: Light
Feeding: No feeding
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug)
Water: Light
Feeding: No feeding
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Water: Minimal
Feeding: No feeding
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb)
Water: Minimal
Feeding: No feeding
An ornamental superstar — billowing clouds of lavender-blue flowers from late spring to autumn. Sterile hybrid requiring almost no care. Hardy to −30°C (zones 3–8). Shear after first flowering for a spectacular second bloom. Top 10 pollinator plant. Classic rose companion.
Quick Reference: Nepeta × faassenii
Key Principles: Right location, well-drained soil, regular harvesting to promote growth, and appropriate winter protection for tender species.