How to prune Nepeta (catmint): complete guide

Why prune Nepeta?

Nepeta (catmint or catnip) is a vigorous, fuzzy perennial with purple-blue flowers that attract bees and bumblebees like a magnet. Left unpruned, Nepeta grows very rangy and untidy, becomes floppier and less floriferous. With good pruning you create a compact, stiff silhouette, many more flowers, and a plant that blooms much longer (May to October).

The secret to full Nepeta is regular pinching. By continually nipping the tops in May-June, you stimulate the plant to make many more branches and flowers. This also keeps your plant compact instead of tall and floppy.

Spring pruning (April-May)

Nepeta is very hardy and grows fast in spring. In April, when the first shoots appear, you can already start pruning.

Remove all dead woody stems from last year. Cut them off flush at about 5 cm above ground. Then you can gently cut back the still-green parts to about 15-20 cm. This stimulates many side shoots.

You do not need to cut back hard. Nepeta recovers quickly, so even gentle cutting back helps.

Pinching in May-June

This is the key to full Nepeta. As soon as your Nepeta starts to bloom (usually late May), regularly pinch the flower tops before they fully bloom. This sounds counterproductive - you are removing the flowers you want to see! - but it works perfectly.

Gently pinch off the top 5-10 cm from each stem. Repeat this every two weeks through May, June and early July. This stimulates many more branches and thus many more flowers later.

Many gardeners use their fingers instead of scissors - you can gently pinch the tops. This is faster and feels less harsh.

Summer bloom (July-September)

After a couple rounds of pinching (May-June), your Nepeta is in full bloom from July to September. This is when you get everything back. The plant is fuller than ever, much more compact, and looks better than unpruned specimens.

During this period you can gently do some deadheading - remove faded flowers to encourage new bloom. But this is not critical. Nepeta loves to bloom and produces many flowers.

Summer light pruning (August)

If your Nepeta starts looking like a floppy mess in August - which can happen in warm weather or if you did not pinch enough in May - you can gently pinch the tops again (about 10 cm). This restores the plant to a more compact look and encourages even more bloom.

But do not cut hard like in spring. This is just light tidying.

Autumn stop (October-November)

In October, when blooming is past, let your Nepeta die down naturally. You can cut it back completely to 5 cm, or leave the dead stems standing for winter interest (they look nice with frost). In early spring (March) you can then tidy up everything.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Nepeta grow so floppy and tall?

This happens because you did not pinch enough in May-June. Nepeta grows tall and floppy naturally without pruning. This year: remind yourself to pinch regularly in May. Your plant will be much more compact.

Other causes: too much shade (Nepeta loves full sun), or very moist soil (Nepeta prefers drier soil). Ensure full sun and well-draining soil.

Can I cut Nepeta all the way back to the ground?

Yes, Nepeta is very hardy. You can cut it hard. The only thing: do this only in spring or early summer, not in autumn. Autumn pruning can cause frost damage.

How many times can I pinch in May-June?

As many times as you like. Some gardeners pinch weekly, others every two weeks. The more you pinch, the more compact and full your plant. There is no such thing as "too much." You can easily pinch every two weeks from May through mid-July.

What is the difference between Nepeta cataria and Nepeta racemosa?

Cataria: This is the real catnip plant - cats love it (your plant may get eaten). Grows 60-90 cm, strong scent, purple-white flowers. This is not what you usually see in borders.

Racemosa (and other modern types): These are the garden cultivars, less attractive to cats, more compact (30-60 cm), more flowers. These are better for gardens. 'Walker's Low', 'Six Hills Giant', and 'Junior Walker' are popular racemosa cultivars.

Subsessilis: Very compact (30-40 cm), darker purple flowers, excellent for small gardens.

Do I need to feed my Nepeta?

Nepeta is a light feeder and grows fine without much feeding. Even feeding stimulates excess growth. Give only compost in early spring if feeding. In summer: no feeding - the only thing you need is water in dry spells.

Does my Nepeta get bigger if I do not prune?

No, Nepeta gets bigger AND floppier without pruning. With pruning it gets smaller but more compact and fuller. This is a good trade.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Spring cleanup (April)

Remove all dead stems from last year. Cut them flush at 5 cm above ground.

Step 2: Gently cut back (May)

Cut the still-green parts back to about 15-20 cm. Not more than that.

Step 3: Regular pinching (May-June)

Gently pinch off the top 5-10 cm from each stem. Repeat every two weeks.

Step 4: Let bloom fully (July-September)

Your plant now blooms fully. Enjoy it. Minimal pruning now.

Step 5: Optional summer pruning (August)

If your plant gets floppy, gently pinch the tops (10 cm).

Step 6: Autumn stop (October)

Let your plant die down naturally or cut back to 5 cm.

Popular cultivars

'Walker's Low': Violet-blue, 45 cm, very reliable twice-blooming, strong grower.

'Six Hills Giant': Lavender-blue flowers, 60 cm, full bloom, excellent for large spaces.

'Junior Walker': Compact variant of 'Walker's Low', 30 cm, perfect for small gardens.

'Blue Magnificence': Bright blue, 50 cm, very attractive to bees, long-blooming.

'Dropmore': Purple, 60 cm, very frost-hardy (-30), reliable grower, Canadian origin.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my Nepeta die in winter?

Nepeta is winter-hardy, but very wet winter soil can cause problems. Ensure good drainage. If your soil is clay, mix in sand or gravel. Also: prune in spring, not autumn. Autumn pruning exposes the crown and can cause frost damage.

Can I grow Nepeta from seed?

Yes! Nepeta seed grows easily. Sow in March in seed compost, keep moist, and seedlings appear in two weeks. This is the cheapest way to get many plants.

My Nepeta falls apart in July-August - why?

This happens in very warm weather or if you did not pinch enough in May. The plant grows floppy and collapses. This year: more pinching in May-June for a more compact plant. Next year: light staking can help (small bamboo stakes).

Does my garden smell like catmint?

No, modern Nepeta cultivars have a softer, finer scent than catnip. It is a nice scent, not strong. You should not expect scent problems.

Discover your own garden design

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