How to Grow Catmint Albino
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Catmint Albino
Nepeta × faassenii 'Albino'
herbCatmint Albino is a compact, mounding herbaceous perennial featuring soft white flowers that bloom prolifically from late spring through fall. This cultivar is a sterile hybrid that produces no viable seeds, making it an excellent choice for gardens where self-seeding is undesirable. It attracts pollinators while remaining unpalatable to deer and rabbits.
When should you plant Catmint Albino in your zone?
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Example Catmint Albino timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Catmint Albino
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Catmint Albino
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catmint Albino dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in zones 4-8; tolerates zones 3-9 with proper care
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green leaves emerge with two cotyledons; plants are delicate and light green
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlants develop bushy mounded growth habit with aromatic gray-green foliage; no flowers yet
Water moderately; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer.
Budding & Early Bloom
3-4 weeksFlower buds appear at branch tips; small white flowers begin opening in whorls
Continue moderate watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeksPlant is covered in delicate white flowers on upright spikes above gray-green foliage; highly attractive to pollinators
Deadhead regularly to extend bloom season. Water during dry spells. Monitor for pests. Can divide established plants in spring or fall.
Dormancy
3-4 monthsFoliage dies back in winter; plant becomes dormant underground
Cut back dead foliage in late fall or early spring. No watering needed. Plant is very cold hardy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with isopropyl alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; treat with sulfur dust or fungicidal spray if needed
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Improve drainage; avoid overwatering; remove affected plants; amend soil with sand/perlite
Uses
Herbal tea and beverages
CulinaryFresh or dried catmint leaves make a mild, pleasant herbal tea with a slightly minty, floral flavor. Commonly blended with other herbal teas or enjoyed alone. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalCatmint has been traditionally used to support digestive health, mild anxiety relief, and sleep quality. Contains volatile oils and tannins with potential calming properties. [source]
Pest deterrent
HouseholdCatmint is deer and rabbit resistant, making it valuable for protecting gardens. Its aromatic foliage may also help deter certain garden insects. [source]
Pollinator garden plant
WildlifeCatmint Albino attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout its long bloom season, making it essential for pollinator conservation. [source]
Dried flower arrangements and potpourri
CraftThe delicate white flowers and aromatic foliage dry well and retain color, making them ideal for dried arrangements, wreaths, and fragrant potpourri blends. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Catmint Albino is an ornamental herb; harvest foliage anytime for fresh use or drying. Best harvested in morning after dew dries but before midday heat. Cut stems back by one-third to one-half in mid-summer to rejuvenate plants and encourage fall rebloom. Deadhead spent flowers regularly throughout season to maximize blooming.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Catmint Albino is sterile and does not produce viable seeds, unlike many Nepeta species, making it an excellent non-invasive choice for gardens
- 🌱 The 'Albino' cultivar's white flowers are an unusual color variant—most catmints are blue, purple, or pink—making it a striking addition to white or silver garden schemes
- 🌱 Catmint gets its common name from its strong appeal to cats; many felines enjoy rolling in and chewing the foliage, similar to their response to catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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