Cat's Meow Catmint

Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Meow'

Proven Winners®

Proven Winners ColorChoice Cultivar with Constant Lavender-Blue Blooms and Superior Fragrance
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Pollution Tolerant
Sweetly Fragrant Flowers

$16⁹⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This perennial thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates, too much shade results in leggy stems and fewer of those signature purple flowers.
Soil: Cat's Meow prefers lean, sharply drained soil. If you have heavy clay that stays wet, mix in several inches of organic compost or expanded shale to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during winter is the quickest way to lose this plant.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water deeply twice a week to help the roots establish a firm footprint in your garden. Once mature, Catmint is exceptionally drought tolerant and usually only needs supplemental water during extended dry spells. If the soil remains bone dry for too long, you might notice the foliage losing its crisp, silvery-green color and some minor wilting.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant blooms on new wood, you should shear the entire plant back by half after the first flush of flowers fades in early summer. Think of this like a refreshing haircut that encourages a tidy, mounded shape and triggers a second wave of blooms for the autumn. In late winter or very early spring, cut the dead stems back to the ground to make room for fresh new growth.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as new growth appears. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this produces soft, lush growth that is easily damaged by the first frost. Most Catmint varieties actually perform better in average soil, so over-fertilizing can lead to a floppy plant that splits open in the center.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Reblooming, Flowering, Deer-resistant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	1-2 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Spreading
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Blue, Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Meow'
Species	faassenii
Cultivar	Cat
Class	Lamiales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Dense and colorful, the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Cat's Meow Catmint (Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Meow') is a vivid and tough perennial with ethereal lavender-blue flower spikes that reach for the sky! The Cat's Meow is an incredibly uniform growing type of Nepeta that blooms almost constantly, and is more compact and fragrant! It also has a more refined habit than others in the family. But the same hardiness and pollinator draw as any other!

The Cat's Meow forms upright stems of brilliant lavender blue, scented blooms atop a spreading mound of tidy sage-green foliage. Highly aromatic from top to bottom, many use these ornamental flowering herbs in tea and as a spice, but they don't have quite the same effect on cats as Cat Nip. They do have a calming effect like many members of the Mint family typically do! They also carry the square stems of the family and their spreading nature - only Cat's Meow does so more politely!

Nepeta Catmints grow vigorously throughout USDA growing zones 3 through 8 and form a dense, neat mat 17-20 inches tall when in bloom, and 24-36 inches wide. The lovely scalloped and heavily textured leaves smell wonderful when brushed past, but also pump out the blooms all summer into fall, sometimes holding on after a light frost! Keep them deadheaded to encourage wave after wave of scented bloom!

Planting and Application:

Cat's Meow Catmint is a must-have for the pollinator and perennial garden border! The dense mats create tidy edging and facer plants, while the brilliant blooms light up the garden and add interest to floral bouquets! Keep them in the kitchen and herb garden, adorn an Herbal Knot Garden, and let them ramble and spill over rocks in the Rock garden or retaining wall.

Proven Winners® Cat's Meow thrives in the sun garden and looks great spilling over garden edges, that hell strip along the road or sidewalk, as fire-wise landscaping barriers, and in xeric garden designs. They are great tumbling over the edges of large planters and containers as a spiller! Try a single plant cascading over the sides of a hanging basket on your porch or patio, filling window box planters, or rambling throughout the garden as living mulch!

Bright Lavender-Blue Spires of Blooms
Hummingbird & Pollinator Magnets
Aromatic Sage Green Foliage
Low, Dense, Neat & Tidy Form
Spillers, Edging, Facer Plants, Containers & En Masse Accents!

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Cat's Meow Nepeta are tough herbaceous perennials that soak up full sun all day long! Plant in almost any kind of well-drained soil with moderate moisture access. They appreciate a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch to hold in more moisture and keep their roots cool. Deadhead often to keep the blooms returning, and clean the mounds in late fall after frost. Their aromatic nature keeps deer at bay most of the time, and even chases away pests from plants!

Loves Full Sun & Thrives in Most Well-Drained Soil Types
Moderate Moisture & Low Water Needs Once Established
Deadhead After Flowers Fade & Prune Back Late Fall
Drought Tolerant & Urban Conditions
Water-wise, Xeriscaping, Firescaping!
Low-Maintenance & Easy To Grow!

Get the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Cat's Meow Catmint for your garden this year and hear the butterflies sing your praises! Hurry and order this fabulous neat and tidy, new and improved perennial at NatureHills.com today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

Cat's Meow Catmint pairs beautifully with other perennials in mixed borders, especially other drought tolerant and deer resistant plants that thrive in similar conditions. For design inspiration, explore our guide on Create The Perfect Mixed Perennial Garden! and discover how catmint's blue-purple blooms complement other varieties featured in Classic Colors Blue & Purple Flowering Perennials.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where to buy catmint?

You can buy catmint at garden centers, nurseries, and online retailers during spring planting season. Look for Proven Winners varieties like 'Cat's Meow' which are widely available and perform reliably in zones 3-8. Purchase in early spring for best establishment, and choose healthy plants with sturdy stems and aromatic foliage.

What USDA hardiness zones can Cat's Meow Catmint survive in?

Cat's Meow Catmint thrives in USDA zones 3-8, making it suitable for most temperate climates. This hardy perennial tolerates both cold winters and hot summers while maintaining its compact 17-20 inch height. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable cold-hardy varieties.

How tall and wide will Cat's Meow Catmint get when fully mature?

Cat's Meow Catmint reaches 17-20 inches tall when in bloom and spreads 24-36 inches wide. This compact Nepeta forms dense, neat mats throughout USDA zones 3-8. Allow adequate spacing for its mature spread when planting.

What type of soil does Cat's Meow Catmint prefer and what pH level?

Cat's Meow Catmint thrives in well-draining soil and tolerates a wide pH range from slightly acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0). This tough perennial actually performs better in average to poor soils rather than rich, fertile conditions. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged areas for best results.

How often should I water Cat's Meow Catmint once it's established?

Cat's Meow Catmint is drought-tolerant once established and needs minimal watering. Water deeply only when soil feels dry 2-3 inches down, typically every 7-10 days in summer. Overwatering can reduce blooming and cause root rot. Shop at Nature Hills for this low-maintenance perennial.

Is Cat's Meow Catmint deer resistant and rabbit resistant?

Cat's Meow Catmint is typically deer and rabbit resistant due to its strong aromatic oils from the mint family. The heavily scented foliage and square stems naturally deter browsing animals in zones 3-8. Plant it as a protective border around more vulnerable plants.

What plants pair well with Cat's Meow Catmint in a garden design?

Cat's Meow Catmint pairs beautifully with roses, salvia, and ornamental grasses in sunny borders. Its 17-20 inch height and spreading habit make it ideal as a facer plant for taller perennials like echinacea or black-eyed Susan. Plant it along edges where its fragrant foliage can be brushed against.

Does Cat's Meow Catmint require regular fertilizing or special care?

Cat's Meow Catmint is exceptionally low-maintenance and doesn't require regular fertilizing. This tough perennial thrives in zones 3-8 with minimal care once established. Simply deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering from summer into fall.

Cat's Meow Catmint

Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Meow'