How to Grow Catmint Blue Wonder

Catmint Blue Wonder

Nepeta × faassenii 'Blue Wonder'

flower

Catmint Blue Wonder is a compact perennial cultivar prized for its profusion of lavender-blue flowers and aromatic, finely textured foliage. This hardy, low-maintenance plant blooms prolifically throughout summer and attracts pollinators while repelling deer and rabbits. It's an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately during growing season; reduce water in fall. Prefers drier conditions—overwatering promotes weak growth and root rot.

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Spacing: 18 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days from transplant to first blooms; full maturity in one season

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Planting depth: Same depth as container; transplants should have crown at soil level

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Establishment

2-3 weeks

Young plants develop a low mound of soft, gray-green foliage with minimal flowering.

Water regularly until roots establish (2-3 weeks). Mulch lightly around base. Pinch back tips if leggy.

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Plant fills out into a dense, compact mound 12-18 inches tall, with increasingly bushy foliage.

Continue regular watering; reduce frequency as drought tolerance increases. Light fertilization with balanced fertilizer.

Early Flowering

1-2 weeks

First lavender-blue flower spikes emerge above foliage; blooms are sporadic.

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooming. Ensure good drainage to prevent fungal issues.

Peak Flowering

6-8 weeks

Plant is covered with abundant lavender-blue tubular flowers; attracts bees and butterflies.

Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom through summer. Reduce watering; established plants need minimal supplemental water.

Mid-Summer Maintenance

4-6 weeks

Blooms may diminish slightly in peak heat; plant may look slightly tired.

Cut back by one-third in July/August to rejuvenate and promote fall rebloom. Reduce fertility and water.

Fall Dormancy

8-12 weeks

Flowering slows; foliage remains attractive but may fade or become woody.

Reduce watering significantly. Do not fertilize. Leave seedheads for winter interest; cut back hard in early spring.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Lavender Salvia Coreopsis Black-eyed Susan Russian Sage Sedums Ornamental grasses Santolina Gaura Thyme

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistent moisture (hostas, ferns) Heavy feeders in poor soil Plants susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions

Common Pests

Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Encourage beneficial insects.
Increase humidity in dry conditions; spray with water. Use miticides only if infestation is severe.
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide in humid climates.
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil for light infestations.

Uses

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Herbal Tea & Culinary Garnish

Culinary

Catmint leaves can be steeped into a mild, aromatic tea with a flavor reminiscent of mint and oregano. Fresh or dried leaves also garnish salads, desserts, and beverages for subtle flavor and visual appeal. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Remedy

Medicinal

Catmint has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to support digestive health, promote relaxation, and soothe minor ailments. The plant contains compounds such as pulegone and carvacrol with documented antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

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Natural Pest Deterrent

Household

The aromatic oils in catmint are known to repel deer, rabbits, and some insects, making it an excellent natural deterrent when planted near vegetable gardens or ornamental beds. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

Catmint's abundant nectar and pollen-rich flowers are a beloved food source for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects throughout the growing season. [source]

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Cut & Dried Flower Arrangements

Craft

The delicate lavender-blue flowers dry beautifully and retain their color and mild fragrance, making them ideal for dried bouquets, wreaths, and 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 is not harvested for consumption but flowers can be cut for fresh or dried arrangements. Pinch or cut stems regularly throughout summer to encourage bushier growth and continuous blooming. Best cut flowers are taken in early morning when buds are just opening. Dry flowers by hanging stems upside down in a dark, airy location.

Fun Facts

🌱 Catmint gets its name not from cats, but from its history of use in herbal medicine; however, many cats are attracted to the scent, similar to catnip (Nepeta cataria), though typically with less intensity.
🌱 The 'Blue Wonder' cultivar was selected for its compact, mounding habit and superior flowering performance compared to the species, making it more reliable in gardens.
🌱 Catmint is native to the Mediterranean and Caucasus regions and has been cultivated for centuries as both an ornamental and medicinal herb.

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