Will catnip make my cat crazy?

Yes, many cats exhibit playful or hyperactive behavior when exposed to the scent.

How do I keep it from getting floppy?

Plant it in full sun and avoid over-fertilizing to keep the stems sturdy.

Plant guide

Catmint.

Nepeta

Pronounced NEP-eh-tuh

Also known as Cat-mints, Catmint, Catnip, catmints

Nepeta racemosa — Photo by Oleksandr Shynder (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Catmint is a wonderful, hardy perennial that brings a soft, cottage garden feel to any sunny spot. It is famous for its aromatic foliage and spikes of lavender blue flowers that bees just adore. You will find it is a very reliable plant that keeps coming back year after year.

Another photo of Catmint — Photo by Claire (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial herb
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

Care

Plant in well draining soil and provide plenty of sunshine to keep it from getting leggy. If the plant looks messy after its first bloom, shear it back to encourage a fresh flush of flowers. Watch for powdery mildew if the air circulation is poor.

Watering: Water deeply once established, but let the soil dry out between sessions.
Feeding: A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is usually plenty.
Pruning: Cut back by half after the first bloom to promote a second round of flowers.
Repotting: Divide the clumps every few years to keep the plant vigorous and healthy.
Soil: Well draining, sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -25 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 60%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans, though excessive ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
Pets: This plant is generally considered safe for cats and dogs, though some cats may become overly excited by the scent.
Children: The plant is safe for children, though the fuzzy texture might be irritating if rubbed against sensitive skin.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the fuzzy foliage.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger mild seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: While catnip is often used in teas, ensure you have the correct species and avoid plants treated with chemicals.

How to identify it

Aromatic, grey green foliage
Spikes of tubular lavender flowers
Square stems typical of mint family
Toothed, heart shaped leaf margins

Height: 0.3 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.45 to 0.9m
Leaves: gray-green, deciduous
Flowers: lavender, blue, white, 1 to 2cm

Problems to watch for

Powdery mildew — A white fungal growth on leaves caused by poor air circulation.
Aphids — Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant juices.

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut the foliage back to the ground in late autumn after the first frost. Mulch lightly if you live in a region with extremely cold, drying winter winds.
In containers: It grows well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 30 cm wide.

Division

1. Dig up the clump in early spring.
2. Use a sharp spade to divide the root ball into smaller sections.
3. Replant the divisions immediately in well-drained soil.

Pair catmint with sun-loving perennials that have similar water needs to create a low-maintenance border.

Grows well with

Rose — Catmint helps mask the scent of roses to deter pests.
Peony — The soft blue flowers provide a nice color contrast to peony blooms.

Similar species

Lavender — Shares similar color and drought tolerance.
Salvia — Offers a similar spike-like flower habit.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Nepeta
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.
Conservation: Not of conservation concern.

It thrives in sunny, well-drained sites and often colonizes disturbed ground.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, attracts beneficial insects
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: pollinator garden, herb garden, ground cover, container plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Will catnip make my cat crazy?: Yes, many cats exhibit playful or hyperactive behavior when exposed to the scent.
How do I keep it from getting floppy?: Plant it in full sun and avoid over-fertilizing to keep the stems sturdy.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Nepeta is derived from the Etruscan city of Nepete, where the plants were once common.

Good to know

Nepeta is named after the ancient Italian city of Nepete.
It belongs to the mint family, which explains its aromatic foliage.
Cutting back the plant after the first flush of flowers often encourages a second bloom.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.