Catmint care guide: when & how to prune, fertilize and spray
Nepeta × faassenii · USDA zones 3–8
Tough, long-blooming edging plant with blue-purple flowers. Shearing after the first bloom brings a second show.
☀️ Sun
Full sun to light shade.
💧 Water
Low.
🪱 Soil
pH 6.0–7.5. Well-drained. None.
How and when to prune catmint
Cut back last year's growth
When: from 4 weeks before the last spring frost until the last spring frost.
- zones 3–5: about Apr 12 – May 10
- zones 6–7: about Mar 18 – Apr 15
- zones 8–10: about Jan 28 – Feb 25
Old catmint stems shelter overwintering beneficial insects and protect the crown in winter. Cutting them in late winter clears the way for fresh growth.
- Cut all of last year's dead stems down to 2–3 in (5–8 cm), just above the new growth.
- Do it before new shoots get tall, so you don't snip them by accident.
- Leave the cut stems loosely on the ground or in a brush pile for a few weeks so emerging bees can escape, then compost them.
Tools: Bypass pruners or hedge shears
Shear after first bloom
When: 8–10 weeks after the last spring frost.
- zones 3–5: about Jul 5–19
- zones 6–7: about Jun 10–24
- zones 8–10: about Apr 22 – May 6
Cutting the plant back by half once the first flush fades brings a fresh mound and a second bloom.
- Shear the whole plant back by about half.
Tools: Hedge shears
Catmint care FAQ
When should I prune catmint?
Cut back last year's growth: from 4 weeks before the last spring frost until the last spring frost (around Mar 18 – Apr 15 in zones 6–7). Shear after first bloom: 8–10 weeks after the last spring frost (around Jun 10–24 in zones 6–7). Tough, long-blooming edging plant with blue-purple flowers. Shearing after the first bloom brings a second show.
What soil does catmint need?
Well-drained. Preferred pH 6.0–7.5. None.
How much sun and water does catmint need?
Sun: Full sun to light shade. Water: Low.
More perennials & grasses care guides
Timings are given relative to your average frost dates, with examples for typical US climates. Always read and follow product labels.