Nepeta 'Cat's Meow'

Nepeta 'Cat's Meow': A Tidy Blue Mound That Holds Its Shape

'Cat's Meow' is old-timey slang for the best thing around, and this catmint takes that very seriously. Sky blue spikes on a neat, aromatic mound, swarming with bees and butterflies. THE BEE'S KNEES CALLED. THEY WANT A REMATCH.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Nepeta × faassenii 'Cat's Meow'
• Common Name: Catmint
• Series: A Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 43–50 cm (17–20 in)
• Spread: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)
• Flowers: Sky blue spikes with purple calyxes
• Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall (June to September)
• Foliage: Small, grey-green and aromatic, on well-branched stems
• Features: Rabbit resistant

Where to Plant: Use it to edge a walk or patio, to line the front of a sunny border, or as a soft blue skirt under taller plants. It holds its round shape well enough for a neat, repeated row. It handles hot, dry spots near pavement better than most perennials.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Cat's Meow' in a sunny, dry bed with pink iris, magenta pinks and creamy coreopsis. Dianthus Star™ Single 'Neon Star' edges the front with magenta pinks at 15 to 20 cm from May to September. Coreopsis UpTick™ Cream adds creamy daisies at 30 to 36 cm from June to September. Iris 'Pink Attraction' opens ruffled light pink bearded iris at 70 to 80 cm in June. Schizachyrium 'Standing Ovation' rises at 90 to 120 cm, blue with red tips in summer.

Plant Care: Plant it in full sun in average to lean, well-drained soil. Rich soil and lots of fertilizer make catmint floppy. Water through the first season, then only in long dry spells. Shear the plant lightly in spring to keep it compact. After the first big flush of flowers, cut it back by about half to bring on fresh leaves and a second round of bloom. Cut back old stems in late fall or early spring. Divide in spring every few years if the clump gets crowded.

History: 'Cat's Meow' was selected at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a seedling of the popular catmint 'Walker's Low', and introduced through Proven Winners®. It was named the 2025 Proven Winners National Landscape Perennial of the Year®.

Final Thoughts: Deer, rabbits and dry spells are no match for it. Plant a row along the walk and enjoy blue all summer. THE CAT IS OUT OF THE BAG.