Catmint brings a soft, billowing presence to garden borders with its aromatic foliage and extended bloom season. Few perennials deliver this level of visual impact while asking so little in return.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. My work involves studying nursery catalogs, analyzing grower trial data, and comparing how different Nepeta selections perform across climate zones and soil types.
Whether you need a compact edge for a small bed or a sprawling backdrop for a sunny slope, the right cultivar makes all the difference. After analyzing dozens, these hand-picked best catmint varieties deliver reliable blooms, drought resilience, and nonstop pollinator appeal for any garden.
How To Choose The Best Catmint Varieties
Selecting the right catmint for your garden involves matching a plant’s growth habits, bloom timing, and care needs to your specific site conditions. Here are the key factors to weigh before you buy.
Mature Size and Growth Habit
Catmint varieties range from compact 10-inch mounds to sprawling 3-foot clumps. Compact types like ‘Blue Wonder’ suit small borders and container planting, while taller selections such as ‘Walkers Low’ work well as mid-border fillers or mass plantings. Always check the mature spread so you can space plants properly from the start.
Bloom Time and Flower Color
Most catmints flower from late spring through early fall, but some varieties rebloom more readily after shearing. Flower colors typically fall within the lavender-blue to indigo spectrum. For the longest display of color, choose a variety known for repeat blooming or a long initial flush.
Sunlight and Soil Requirements
Catmint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is notably drought tolerant and performs poorly in heavy, wet clay. Most varieties are hardy in zones 3 through 9, but always confirm the USDA zone rating for your specific selection to ensure winter survival.
Intended Use
Decide whether you need an ornamental pollinator magnet for the flower bed, a drought-tolerant ground cover for a slope, or a functional plant for cat enrichment. Standard catmint (Nepeta) is the go-to for garden beauty, while true catnip (Nepeta cataria) is better suited for feline friends.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat’s Pajamas | Premium | Compact borders & containers | 14in tall, zones 3‑8 | Amazon |
| Walkers Low | Premium | Tall backdrops & mass plantings | 36in tall, zones 4‑9 | Amazon |
| Blue Wonder | Mid-Range | Small spaces & front borders | 15in tall, zones 4‑8 | Amazon |
| Clovers Garden Catmint | Mid-Range | Pollinator gardens & foundation beds | 4‑8in tall, all US zones | Amazon |
| Catnip (Nepeta) | Budget | Cat enrichment & natural toys | 12in tall, zones 3+ | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’
This Proven Winners selection brings a compact, well-behaved habit that stays tidy without constant pruning. The indigo blue flowers appear in late spring and continue through summer, creating a consistent color presence that rivals lavender in visual appeal. The plant ships at about 2–4 inches and establishes quickly once placed in the garden.
The fragrance leans minty and pleasant, and the plant’s heat tolerance means it holds up well even during dry spells. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and beneficial bees generously while remaining resistant to deer and rabbits. Winter Greenhouse grows this variety in northern Wisconsin using safe, sustainable methods.
This is a carefree herbaceous perennial for zones 3–8 that dies back in cold weather and returns each spring. No deadheading is required to keep the blooms coming, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for gardeners who want reliable color without constant attention.
What works
- Exceptionally long bloom period from spring through summer
- Heat and drought tolerant once established
- Strong pollinator appeal with deer and rabbit resistance
What doesn’t
- Mature size is compact, not ideal for large gaps
- Premium price point compared to seed-grown options
2. Greenwood Nursery ‘Walkers Low’ Catmint
This Greenwood Nursery offering is a classic tall catmint that creates a substantial presence in the garden. It reaches 2–3 feet tall with lavender-blue flowers that appear in early summer and rebloom profusely if sheared back after the first flush. The deep purple blooms contrast beautifully with the silvery-green foliage.
The plant is disease resistant, drought tolerant once established, and thrives in full sun to partial afternoon shade. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees throughout the growing season. Greenwood Nursery ships in fitted corrugated boxes with craft paper and air pillows for protection.
A 14-day guarantee backs every order, and detailed planting and care instructions are included. This variety is perfect for larger gardens where you want a bold, fast-growing backdrop that fills in quickly and demands very little maintenance.
What works
- Impressive 2–3 foot mature height for mid-border impact
- Shearing after first bloom encourages a second flush
- Excellent disease and pest resistance
What doesn’t
- Needs regular shearing to maintain tidy shape
- Too large for small containers or tight spaces
3. Nepeta muss. ‘Blue Wonder’
Green Promise Farms offers a compact catmint that stays around 12–15 inches tall and 14–20 inches wide, making it perfect for small spaces and front-of-border placements. The blue flowers appear from spring to fall, providing months of color in a petite package that won’t overtake neighboring plants.
This variety is known for its pleasant fragrance and ability to attract butterflies while resisting deer. It comes fully rooted in a #1 size container and can be planted immediately upon arrival, weather permitting. The sandy soil preference means it performs well in lean, well-drained conditions.
Suitable for zones 4–8, this is a low-maintenance option that provides season-long interest with minimal effort. The compact size also makes it a strong candidate for rock gardens, small raised beds, or patio containers where space is at a premium.
What works
- Perfect compact size for small gardens and containers
- Long bloom window from spring through fall
- Fragrant foliage and strong deer resistance
What doesn’t
- Limited to zones 4–8, not for warmer climates
- Single plant per container, may need multiple for impact
4. Clovers Garden Catmint (Nepeta) – 2 Live Plants
Clovers Garden ships two robust plants in 4-inch pots, each 4–8 inches tall with well-developed root systems that handle transplanting with ease. The silvery-green foliage and blue-violet blossoms make it a visual standout in any sunny bed. These are non-GMO and grown without neonicotinoids.
Blooms appear from mid-summer through first frost, and regular snipping encourages the plant to keep producing. The foliage is aromatic and can be used in sachets, herbal teas, or cut bouquets. This variety adapts to all US zones and is suitable for foundation planting or larger gardens with room to spread.
Packaging is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable. A copyrighted Quick Start Planting Guide is included with every order, making this a great choice for gardeners who want strong, ready-to-grow plants with clear instructions for success.
What works
- Two healthy plants per order for instant garden impact
- Adaptable to all US zones with proper care
- No neonicotinoids and eco-friendly packaging
What doesn’t
- Plants arrive small and need time to fill in
- Not a named cultivar, so flower color may vary slightly
5. The Three Company Live Catnip – 4 Plants
This catnip from The Three Company comes as a pack of four live plants, each about 8 inches tall in 1-pint pots. While closely related to ornamental catmint, this Nepeta cataria variety is specifically grown for its appeal to cats rather than purely ornamental garden use.
The leaves contain compounds that can excite or calm cats, making it useful for enrichment, stress reduction during travel, or encouraging activity in sedentary pets. It blooms from spring through fall with small white or lavender flowers. The plants can be grown indoors in a sunny window or outdoors in a garden bed.
These are greenhouse-grown plants shipped fresh directly from the grower. This is a practical choice for cat owners who want a steady supply of fresh catnip for toys, scratching posts, or simply as a garden treat for their feline companions.
What works
- Four plants per pack for ample supply
- Dual-purpose: ornamental bloomer and cat enrichment
- Can be grown indoors or outdoors
What doesn’t
- Not the best choice for formal ornamental borders
- Cats may damage plants by rolling or chewing
Hardware & Specs Guide
Mature Dimensions
Catmint varieties vary significantly in size. Compact types like ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ and ‘Blue Wonder’ stay under 15 inches tall and spread 14–20 inches wide, making them ideal for small beds and containers. Taller selections such as ‘Walkers Low’ reach 2–3 feet in height with a similar spread, suited for mid-border or mass planting. Always account for the mature spread when spacing plants to avoid overcrowding.
Bloom Period and Color
Most catmints produce lavender-blue to indigo flowers from late spring through early fall, with the heaviest bloom in early summer. Varieties like ‘Walkers Low’ respond well to shearing after the first flush, producing a second, significant bloom later in the season. ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ and ‘Blue Wonder’ offer extended bloom without deadheading, while the catnip variety flowers in a more subdued white-lavender tone.
Hardiness and Climate Zones
Hardiness varies by selection. ‘Blue Wonder’ is recommended for zones 4–8, while ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ handles zones 3–8 and tolerates colder winters. ‘Walkers Low’ performs best in zones 4–9, and the Clovers Garden catmint adapts to all US zones. Always verify the zone rating of your chosen variety against your local winter temperatures to ensure perennial return each spring.
Sun and Soil Preferences
All catmint varieties perform best in full sun with well-drained soil. Sandy or lean soils are ideal, and once established these plants are notably drought tolerant. Avoid heavy clay or consistently wet locations, as poor drainage leads to root rot. Good air circulation around the foliage helps prevent powdery mildew in humid climates.
FAQ
Is catmint the same as catnip?
Does catmint need full sun to thrive?
How do I care for catmint after planting?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best catmint varieties winner is the Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ because it combines a compact habit, exceptionally long bloom period, and Proven Winners reliability in one easy-care package. If you want dramatic height and fast fill for a larger border, grab the Greenwood Nursery ‘Walkers Low’. And for small-space gardeners on a budget, nothing beats the tidy, fragrant Nepeta muss. ‘Blue Wonder’.