Catmint

Nepeta cataria

Also known as Glechoma cataria, Cat's wort, Nepeta, Nepeta cataria f. laurentii

Zones 3–11Sun Full SunWater ModerateCare Low

Native Plants · Edibles & Herbs · Catnip · Catmint · Herb · Pollinator · Drought Tolerant · Perennial · Easy Care · Medicinal Herb · Cat Attractant · Edible Herb

Beginner-friendlyMedicinalAttracts pollinators

Toxicity: cats — keep out of reach and wear gloves when pruning.

In stock at 1 nurseryStock updated 9/9/2026

Catmint (catnip) is an easy-going perennial herb that grows vigorously in most well-drained soils with plenty of sunlight. Water occasionally and cut back after flowering to encourage a second flush of blooms; it becomes quite drought tolerant once established. Keep in mind that cats are strongly attracted to this plant and may roll on or damage it in the garden.

Growing conditions

The details behind the basics

Daily light: 6 hours
Watering: Water moderately and allow soil to dry out between waterings; very tolerant of dry spells once established · Every 7-14 days
Maintenance: Low
Soil: sandy loam
Soil pH: 7–7.5
Temperature: -20°F to 95°F
Cycle: Perennial
Propagation: Seed, Cutting

Hardiness

USDA 3a-11b

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Your zone

Form & growth

Mature size and habit

Mature height: 12 in – 4 ft
Spread: 3 ft
Spacing: 18 in apart
Growth rate: Moderate
Root depth: Medium
Flowers: No
Foliage: Medium

Ecology & origin

Where it belongs and what it brings

Native to: Afghanistan, Alabama, Alaska, Albania, Alberta, Altay, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arizona, Arkansas, Austria, Azores, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, British Columbia, Bulgaria, California
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Moths

Sources: trefle, usda, aspca

Buy this plant

1 nursery carries it

Rosecrans Rose Growers

Distance unavailable · 1927 W Rosecrans Ave, Gardena, CA 90249

RetailPickupDeliveryDelivery min $250

$5.25–$21.25

In stock1