How to Grow Catmint 'Blue Wonder'
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Catmint 'Blue Wonder'
Nepeta × faassenii 'Blue Wonder'
flowerCatmint 'Blue Wonder' is a compact, semi-evergreen perennial known for its abundant lavender-blue flowers and finely textured, aromatic foliage. It blooms prolifically from late spring through fall and attracts pollinators while being highly deer and rabbit resistant. This hardy cultivar is excellent for borders, rock gardens, and pollinator gardens.
When should you plant Catmint 'Blue Wonder' in your zone?
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Example Catmint 'Blue Wonder' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Catmint 'Blue Wonder'
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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First Catmint 'Blue Wonder' blooms
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catmint 'Blue Wonder' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Catmint 'Blue Wonder' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with narrow cotyledons and emerging true leaves; very delicate
Keep soil lightly moist, provide bright light, maintain temperatures 65-75°F, thin crowding seedlings
Vegetative
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop multiple stems and increasingly fragrant, fine-textured foliage; compact mounding form begins to develop
Water moderately, pinch shoot tips to encourage bushier growth, fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer if needed
Budding & Flowering
May-October (5-6 months)Dense spikes of small lavender-blue tubular flowers appear at stem tips; plants become progressively more laden with blooms
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming through season, reduce nitrogen to promote more blooms over foliage
Peak Bloom
3-4 months intermittentPlant is covered in abundant lavender-blue flower spikes creating a hazy, cloud-like appearance; peak color and fragrance
Continue deadheading, water only during drought, stake if needed in windy locations, enjoy pollinator activity
Dormancy/Winter
November-MarchFoliage dies back or remains semi-evergreen depending on climate; plant enters dormancy in late fall
Cut back to 6 inches in spring for renewal, provide winter mulch in zones 3-4, no watering needed unless exceptional drought
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge, increase humidity, use miticide if severe, encourage natural predators
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Use reflective mulches, spray with insecticidal soap, yellow sticky traps, neem oil
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Improve air circulation, remove affected foliage, spray with sulfur or baking soda solution, avoid overhead watering
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and
(rare)
Remove debris, handpick at night, copper tape barriers, diatomaceous earth
Uses
Herbal Tea
CulinaryCatmint leaves and flowers can be dried and steeped to make a soothing, aromatic herbal tea with a mild minty flavor. The tea is enjoyed for its relaxing properties and pleasant taste. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalCatmint has been used in folk medicine for centuries to aid digestion, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. Modern herbalists continue to use it in various preparations. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeCatmint 'Blue Wonder' is exceptionally attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Planting it helps support pollinator populations essential for garden and landscape health. [source]
Dried Flowers & Arrangements
CraftThe delicate blue flower spikes dry beautifully and retain color for months, making them ideal for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts. [source]
Aromatics & Fresh Dried Foliage
HouseholdDried catmint foliage and flowers can be placed in sachets or potpourri to freshen rooms with a gentle, minty fragrance. Some gardeners dry sprigs to use as drawer or closet fresheners. [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 typically harvested for culinary use. For crafting dried flowers or herbal tea, cut stems just as flowers open, bundle loosely, and hang dry in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. Cut back entire plant by one-third in early summer after first flush of blooms to encourage reblooming and maintain compact shape.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Catmint is unrelated to catnip (Nepeta cataria) despite the similar name, though cats may still be attracted to it; 'Blue Wonder' cultivar is particularly ornamental and widely used in formal garden design.
- 🌱 The name 'Nepeta' comes from Nepeti, an ancient Etruscan city, and the plant has been cultivated for over 2,000 years for its aromatic and medicinal properties.
- 🌱 Catmint 'Blue Wonder' is extremely drought tolerant once established and requires minimal fertilizer, making it an excellent choice for water-wise and low-maintenance gardens.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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