How to Grow Autumn Catmint
Wikimedia Commons
Autumn Catmint
Nepeta × faassenii 'Walker's Low'
herbAutumn Catmint is a semi-evergreen perennial hybrid known for its extended blooming season, producing fragrant lavender-blue flowers from late spring through fall. This vigorous, low-maintenance plant forms dense mounds of aromatic foliage and is beloved by pollinators. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, and naturalized plantings.
When should you plant Autumn Catmint in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Autumn Catmint timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Autumn Catmint
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Autumn Catmint
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Autumn Catmint dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
Sign up free to see if Autumn Catmint grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Autumn Catmint timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate in 10-15 days. Seedlings develop first true leaves with characteristic mint-family appearance.
Keep soil lightly moist, not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops dense mounding foliage with small, soft green leaves. Stems become woody at base.
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Begin light pinching in early growth to encourage bushiness. Fertilize lightly once monthly.
Bud Formation & First Bloom
3-4 weeksFlower buds appear along stem tips; characteristic lavender-blue flowers begin opening. Plant reaches 12-18 inches in height.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Maintain moderate moisture during flowering.
Peak Flowering
6-12 weeks (late spring through fall)Dense flower production covering the plant. Flowers attract bees and butterflies continuously.
Deadhead frequently for sustained blooming. Water moderately during dry periods. No fertilizer needed if soil is adequate.
Senescence & Winter Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage may brown or fade; plant enters dormancy. Semi-evergreen varieties retain some foliage through winter.
Allow spent foliage to remain for winter interest and frost protection, or cut back in late fall. No watering needed during dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Spray with water to dislodge; apply miticide if severe. Improve air circulation.
-
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if necessary.
-
Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects.
Uses
Herbal Tea & Culinary Flavoring
CulinaryFresh or dried leaves and flowers can be steeped into a fragrant, mildly minty tea with calming properties. The aromatic foliage adds subtle flavor to culinary dishes and beverages. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalCatmint has been used traditionally to soothe digestive upset, calm anxiety, and promote restful sleep. Contains compounds with mild sedative and antispasmodic properties. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeAutumn Catmint is exceptionally attractive to honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. Extended flowering season provides essential nectar and pollen resources. [source]
Ornamental Border Plant
HouseholdIts long blooming season, mounding habit, and attractive gray-green foliage make it ideal for cottage gardens, borders, rock gardens, and container planting. Adds texture and persistent color. [source]
Dried Flower & Craft Material
CraftFlowers and foliage dry well for use in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and potpourri. Retains fragrance and color through the drying process. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For culinary or medicinal use, harvest leaves and flowering stems in morning after dew dries, just before or at the start of flowering when essential oils are highest. Pinch or cut stems at node points. Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms throughout season.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Autumn Catmint 'Walker's Low' was named after the English gardener and plantsman John Walker, who discovered the superior hybrid. It's considered one of the best catmint cultivars for extended bloom.
- 🌱 Catmint is closely related to catnip (Nepeta cataria); while some cats respond to catmint, the response is typically less dramatic than with true catnip.
- 🌱 The plant contains an essential oil similar to nepetalactone, the compound that attracts cats, which is also used in pest control for rodents.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Autumn Catmint planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Autumn Catmint seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Autumn Catmint timeline →