How to Grow Compact Catmint
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Compact Catmint
Nepeta × faassenii 'Compact'
flowerCompact Catmint is a dwarf cultivar of hybrid catmint that produces abundant lavender-blue flowers and aromatic, soft gray-green foliage. This low-growing perennial is prized for its extended blooming period, low maintenance requirements, and ability to attract pollinators. It's ideal for edging, borders, rock gardens, and containers.
When should you plant Compact Catmint in your zone?
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Example Compact Catmint timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Compact Catmint
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 Compact Catmint blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Compact Catmint dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 4-7
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Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung transplants with developing root systems and emerging shoots
Water regularly but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Protect from extreme heat first 2-3 weeks. Mulch lightly around base.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant rapidly fills out with dense mounding growth of aromatic foliage
Continue moderate watering. Pinch back tips in early season to encourage bushier growth. No fertilizer needed; prefers lean soil.
Flowering (Spring)
6-8 weeksFirst flush of lavender-blue tubular flowers appears on short spikes above foliage
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Water during prolonged dry spells. Plant reaches full compact mounding habit.
Summer Bloom & Rebloom
8-10 weeksContinuous light flowering throughout summer with deadheading; may have a natural pause mid-summer
Cut back by one-third after first heavy bloom flush to rejuvenate and promote fall rebloom. Reduce watering as plant is very drought-tolerant.
Fall Dormancy
6-12 weeksGrowth slows as temperatures cool; foliage may turn bronze-tinged
Allow plant to rest. Do not fertilize. Cut back to 4-6 inches above ground in late fall or early spring in colder zones. Remove debris to prevent disease.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Reduce watering in humid conditions. Treat with sulfur dust or neem oil if severe.
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Increase humidity and air circulation. Spray with strong water jet. Use miticide if populations are severe.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations.
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Uses
Herbal Tea
CulinaryDried leaves and flowers make a mild, pleasant herbal tea with calming properties. Harvest flowers and young leaves in mid-morning for drying. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalCatmint has been used in folk medicine for centuries to support digestive and nervous system health. Tea or dried preparations are traditionally consumed for relaxation. [source]
Pollinator Magnet
WildlifeAbundant lavender flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. An excellent choice for pollinator gardens and supporting ecosystem health. [source]
Cut & Dried Flowers
HouseholdDelicate flowers dry well for arrangements, potpourri, and floral crafts. Harvest in full bloom and hang-dry in bundles for best color retention. [source]
Fragrant Dried Sachets
CraftDried flowers and aromatic foliage are excellent for creating fragrant sachets for drawers and closets. Pleasant minty-lavender scent naturally repels some insects. [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 primarily ornamental but foliage can be harvested for tea or dried flowers for arrangements. Pinch or cut flowers and leaves anytime during growing season; morning harvest after dew dries yields best quality. Deadhead regularly throughout blooming season to maximize flower production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Compact Catmint is highly attractive to cats and pollinators but resistant to deer and rabbits, making it excellent for wildlife-pressured gardens.
- 🌱 The genus name Nepeta comes from the ancient Roman city of Nepete (in Etruria), where the plant was said to have originated.
- 🌱 This cultivar remains in bloom longer and reblooms more readily than many other Nepeta varieties, with proper deadheading extending flowering from late spring through frost.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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