How to Grow Catmint 'Six Hills Giant'
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Catmint 'Six Hills Giant'
Nepeta × faassenii 'Six Hills Giant'
flowerA vigorous, semi-evergreen perennial hybrid catmint that produces abundant lavender-blue flowers on tall, airy stems. 'Six Hills Giant' is a popular cultivar known for its exceptional size and prolific blooming habit, reaching 2-3 feet tall. It attracts pollinators while adding soft color and texture to gardens throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Catmint 'Six Hills Giant' in your zone?
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Example Catmint 'Six Hills Giant' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Catmint 'Six Hills Giant'
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 'Six Hills Giant' blooms
Around Apr 25≈ 8 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Catmint 'Six Hills Giant' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, best performance in zones 4-8
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Get my Catmint 'Six Hills Giant' timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling/Transplant
2-3 weeksSmall rosette of aromatic, soft gray-green foliage with delicate, lobed leaves
Keep soil lightly moist until roots establish (2-3 weeks); avoid waterlogging. Provide bright light. Harden off transplants gradually before planting outdoors.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid stem elongation and leaf expansion; plant becomes bushy and mounding with increasingly abundant foliage
Water weekly if rain is absent. Pinch back stems in spring to encourage bushier, more compact growth. No fertilizer needed; too much nitrogen reduces flowering and hardiness.
Early Flowering
2-3 weeksFirst flower spikes emerge at stem tips; delicate, small tubular lavender-blue flowers arranged in loose, airy clusters
Begin regular deadheading to extend bloom season. Cut faded flower clusters just below the flower head to encourage new branching and continuous blooming.
Peak Bloom
4-8 weeks (often June-July, may repeat in fall if deadheaded and watered in late summer)Dense cover of lavender-blue flowers on tall, graceful stems; plant becomes a cloud of color and attracts numerous bees and butterflies
Continue deadheading spent flowers every 7-10 days. Water only during drought. Reduce or stop watering in late summer to encourage flower production over foliage.
Post-Flowering/Dormancy
Fall through early springFlowers fade; foliage becomes silvery-gray and semi-evergreen; stems may remain attractive through winter
Cut back plants to 6-12 inches in late fall or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and rejuvenate growth. Leave some stems standing for winter interest if desired.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; insecticidal soap if severe. Ensure good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering.
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants adequately and pruning lower foliage. Avoid overhead watering and excess humidity. Spray with sulfur or fungicide if necessary; remove and destroy infected leaves.
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Spray with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Improve air circulation.
Uses
Herbal Tea & Flavor
CulinaryCatmint leaves and flowers can be dried and brewed into a soothing herbal tea with a mild, pleasant minty flavor and calming aromatic properties. The tea has traditionally been used to support relaxation and digestive comfort. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalCatmint has been used in traditional herbalism to support nervous system relaxation, healthy digestion, and emotional balance. Its mild sedative and antispasmodic properties make it a gentle herb for wellness routines. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeThe abundant flowers are a powerhouse for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the growing season, supporting garden biodiversity and enhancing fruit and vegetable set in nearby plants. [source]
Cut & Dried Flowers
HouseholdBoth fresh and dried catmint flowers are attractive in bouquets and floral arrangements, adding airy texture and soft color. Dried flowers retain their fragrance and can be used in potpourri or dried arrangements. [source]
Aromatic Crafts & Sachets
CraftDried catmint flowers and foliage can be used to make fragrant sachets, pot-pourri, herbal sleep pillows, and craft projects. The pleasant minty aroma lasts well when dried. [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 food, but flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements throughout the blooming season. Cut stems in early morning after dew dries, just below a flower cluster. For drying (culinary or craft use), harvest just as flowers open, tie in bundles, and dry in a cool, airy location. Deadheading (removing spent flowers) extends the bloom season and maintains plant vigor; cut back to the nearest leaf node.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Six Hills Giant' was developed in 1941 by Ernest Ladhams at the Six Hills Nursery in Stevenage, England, making it one of the classic catmint cultivars with over 80 years of garden proven performance.
- 🌱 Catmint is called 'Nepeta' in its genus name, derived from Nepete, an ancient town in Egypt where catmint was historically cultivated, and it is closely related to catnip but less potent in attracting cats.
- 🌱 The silvery-gray, finely textured foliage contains aromatic volatile oils that create the plant's characteristic minty fragrance and contribute to its pest-repellent and medicinal properties.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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