Plant Guide: Catmint for Soft Edges and Pollinators
Alex Buckmaster — May 24, 2026
A tough perennial for sunny borders — shear after bloom for a second flush.
Catmint (Nepeta) is a landscape favorite for a reason: lavender-blue flowers, aromatic foliage, and tolerance for heat once established. It softens path edges and fronts of borders.
Plant in sun and well-drained soil. Shear plants after the first bloom wave to tidy foliage and encourage rebloom. Deer and rabbits often leave it alone compared with tastier perennials.
Pair catmint with roses, grasses, or shrubs for a long-season, low-drama combination.
Topic: Gardening