Also known as Catmint · 2.4k gardener saves
Nepeta: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Nepeta, the genus most gardeners know as catmint. We track 28 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Nepeta varieties
Of 28 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedWalker's Low Catmint
Nepeta faassenii 'Walker's Low'
#2 most savedCat's Pajamas Catmint
Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Pajamas'
#3 most savedSix Hills Giant Catmint
Nepeta faassenii 'Six Hills Giant'
Walker's Low Catmint
Nepeta racemosa 'Walker'
Faassen's Catmint
Nepeta faassenii
Purrsian Blue Nepeta
Nepeta x faassenii 'Purrsian Blue'
Faassen's catmint
Nepeta Nepeta x faassenii
Chartreuse Catmint
Nepeta x faassenii 'Chartreuse on the Loose'
Blue Moon Catmint
Nepeta nervosa 'Blue Moon'
Catmint
Nepeta x hybrida
Picture Purrfect Catmint
Nepeta x hybrida 'Picture Purrfect'
Japanese Catmint
Nepeta subsessilis
Browse all 28 Nepeta varieties →
How to grow Nepeta
What the Nepeta varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 28 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Nepeta year
- PruneJune and July96% of varieties
Shear back by half after the first flush of flowers to promote rebloom.
- DivideMarch and September89% of varieties
Divide clumps every 3-5 years when flowering decreases
- Spring CleanupFebruary86% of varieties
Cut back old stems in late winter or early spring.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Apply organic mulch to retain moisture
- Provide full sun for optimal blooming
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize in late fall
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Nepeta
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Increase humidity and spray with insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on the plant, stippled or yellowing leaves, especially in hot, dry weather. | Spray forcefully with water to dislodge them. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Increase humidity. |
| None | Nepeta is renowned for being virtually pest-free due to its aromatic oils. | No action is typically required. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Powdery Mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply sulfur fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Nepeta
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Place in moist soil and keep humid for 4-6 weeks.
Division
- In spring or fall, dig up the entire clump.
- Use a spade or your hands to pull the clump apart into smaller sections.
- Replant the divisions immediately.
- Water well until established.
Nepeta questions
How many types of Nepeta are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 28 distinct Nepeta varieties. The most popular — ranked by 2.4k real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Nepeta grow in?
Across its varieties, Nepeta covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Nepeta bloom?
Most Nepeta varieties bloom in late spring to fall, early summer, late spring to late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Nepeta should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
More on Nepeta
By hardiness zone
Design with Nepeta in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
