Will my catmint die if it droops?

Not necessarily, as it is often just a sign the plant needs a drink. Give it water and see if it recovers within a few hours.

Does my catmint need more shade?

If it wilts daily despite having enough water, it might appreciate some light afternoon shade. Full sun is great, but extreme heat can be tough.

Why is my Nepeta racemosa drooping? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Touch the soil to see if it is dry or damp.
Observe if the plant recovers after the sun goes down.
Check if the plant has been recently transplanted.

Likely causes

Heat stress
Most likely
How to tell: The plant wilts during the hottest part of the day but perks back up in the evening. This is common during midsummer heat waves.
What to do: Provide a deep soak in the early morning to help the plant hydrate before the sun gets intense. If the heat is extreme, a light layer of mulch can help keep the roots cool.
Underwatering
Possible
How to tell: The stems look limp and the soil feels bone dry and pulls away from the edges of the pot or garden bed. The leaves may also feel brittle.
What to do: Water the plant deeply until the soil is moist 6 inches down. Maintain a schedule of watering every 7 to 14 days depending on the weather.

Drooping in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your raceme catmint

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Temporary wilting in the afternoon is normal for many perennials in high heat. Worry if the plant stays wilted all morning or fails to recover after a good watering.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy and provide a bit of afternoon shade if you live in a very hot climate.

Raceme catmint: drooping? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your raceme catmint and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will my catmint die if it droops?: Not necessarily, as it is often just a sign the plant needs a drink. Give it water and see if it recovers within a few hours.
Does my catmint need more shade?: If it wilts daily despite having enough water, it might appreciate some light afternoon shade. Full sun is great, but extreme heat can be tough.

Guides to these causes

Dehydration

Why is my Nepeta racemosa drooping?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your raceme catmint?