Nepeta grandiflora 'Summer Magic'
perennial

Summer Magic Catmint

Nepeta grandiflora 'Summer Magic'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Nepeta, commonly known as Catmint, is a genus of tough, aromatic perennials in the mint family. They are celebrated for their long bloom times, drought tolerance, and resistance to deer and rabbits. 'Summer Magic' is a standout cultivar known for its exceptionally long blooming season and its dense, upright habit that resists flopping. It produces a profusion of lavender-blue flower spikes from late spring until fall, especially if sheared mid-season.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental Uses'Summer Magic' provides a long-lasting haze of cool lavender-blue, softening border edges and complementing other perennials, especially roses. Its tidy, mounding habit makes it a reliable performer for creating structure and continuous color.
Practical UsesThis is a workhorse plant for difficult, dry, sunny spots where other plants might fail. Its low water needs make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.
Ecological BenefitsNepeta is a magnet for pollinators. It provides a continuous and abundant nectar source for honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies for months, making it an essential plant for any wildlife or pollinator garden.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun.
  2. Ensure the soil is well-drained; catmint hates wet feet.
  3. Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot.
  4. Gently tease out the roots and place the plant in the hole.
  5. Backfill, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
  6. Water well to establish, then water only during extended dry periods.

Pro Tip

After the first major flush of flowers, shear the entire plant back by half to promote dense regrowth and a second full bloom.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Plant in full sun for the sturdiest stems and most flowers.
  • Provide excellent drainage.
  • Shear back after the first bloom to encourage reblooming.
  • Allow space for it to reach its mature spread.

Don't

  • Don't plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
  • Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
  • Don't fertilize; it thrives in average to lean soil.
  • Don't plant in shade, as it will become leggy and flop.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Drought-tolerant border and pathway edgingLong-blooming mass planting for slopesPollinator-attracting cottage garden staple

Companion Plants

Rosa (shrub roses) Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' Stachys byzantina 'Helene von Stein' Penstemon 'Dark Towers'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Summer Magic Catmint questions

What zones can Summer Magic Catmint grow in?

Summer Magic Catmint is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Summer Magic Catmint deer resistant?

Yes — Summer Magic Catmint is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Summer Magic Catmint bloom?

Summer Magic Catmint typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Summer Magic Catmint need full sun?

Summer Magic Catmint does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Summer Magic Catmint drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Summer Magic Catmint handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Summer Magic Catmint with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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