Will cats destroy this plant?

Cats may roll in it or chew the leaves, but it usually recovers quickly.

How do I keep it tidy?

Cut the stems back by half after the first bloom to prevent it from looking leggy.

Plant guide

Raceme catmint.

Nepeta racemosa

Pronounced NEP-eh-tuh ray-se-MO-suh

Also known as Eastern Cat-mint, Raceme Catnip, eastern catmint

Eastern Cat-mint — Photo by Oleksandr Shynder (CC BY) via iNaturalist

This charming perennial is a favorite for borders and rock gardens. It produces lovely spikes of lavender blue flowers that bees absolutely adore. You will find it is a tough, reliable plant that handles dry spells quite well.

Another photo of Raceme catmint — Photo by Daniel K (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 12 to 18 inches
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early autumn

Care

Plant in well draining soil to prevent root rot. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew if the air circulation is poor. Give it a good trim after the first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers.

Watering: Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring as new growth appears.
Pruning: Shear back the entire plant by half after the first flowering to promote a tidy shape and repeat blooms.
Repotting: Divide the clumps every few years in spring to keep the plant vigorous.
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: Light
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth during the active season

Safety

People: It is generally considered non-toxic to humans.
Children: The plant is safe for children, though the stems can be slightly brittle.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from the aromatic oils in the leaves.
Airborne allergens: The pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals during peak bloom.
Edibility: While often used in herbal teas, consult a professional before consuming as some varieties may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Small aromatic grey green leaves
Spikes of tubular lavender flowers
Low growing mounding habit
Square stems typical of mint family

Height: 0.2 to 0.4m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: gray-green, deciduous
Flowers: lavender-blue, 1 to 2cm

Problems to watch for

Powdery mildew · A white fungal growth appears on leaves when air circulation is poor.

By symptom

Plant problems 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. Add a light layer of mulch if you live in an area with harsh, freezing winters.
In containers: It grows well in containers at least 30 cm wide, provided they have excellent drainage.

Division

1. Dig up the entire clump in early spring.
2. Use a sharp spade to divide the root ball into smaller sections.
3. Replant the sections immediately at the same depth.

Pair this plant with other drought-tolerant perennials to create a low-maintenance garden bed.

Grows well with

Lavender · They share similar requirements for sun and well-drained soil.
Coneflower · The contrasting flower shapes create a beautiful visual display.
Sedum · Both plants tolerate dry conditions and provide late-season interest.

Similar species

Catmint · It is a close relative but grows much larger and is more attractive to cats.
Walker's Low Catmint · It is a popular hybrid that offers a longer bloom period.

Science

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Nepeta
Order: Lamiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Caucasus and northeastern Turkey.
Conservation: This plant is not of conservation concern.

It thrives in rocky, well-drained mountain slopes where it competes well in poor soils.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ground cover, pollinator garden, edging, rock garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Will cats destroy this plant?: Cats may roll in it or chew the leaves, but it usually recovers quickly.
How do I keep it tidy?: Cut the stems back by half after the first bloom to prevent it from looking leggy.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Nepeta is thought to refer to the ancient Italian city of Nepete, while racemosa describes the raceme-like arrangement of its flowers.

Good to know

It is a member of the mint family.
The plant is highly drought tolerant once established.
Shearing the plant back after the first flush of blooms often encourages a second show of flowers.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.