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Catmint 'Summer Magic' (Nepeta grandiflora) — garden perennial

Catmint 'Summer Magic'

Nepeta grandiflora

$6.0032 in stock

Nepeta (Catmint) Care Guide

Soft, silvery mounds of lavender-blue flowers that bloom for months — and the bees adore it.

perennial full-sun drought-tolerant pollinator long-blooming deer-resistant

Overview

Nepeta (Nepeta spp.), commonly called Catmint, is one of the most versatile and long-blooming perennials available. 'Summer Magic' produces cascading mounds of fragrant silver-green foliage covered in small lavender-blue flower spikes from late spring through fall. It is exceptionally tough, drought tolerant, and beloved by bees — and offers almost no maintenance once established. Despite the name, garden Catmint is far less attractive to cats than true catnip (N. cataria).

Sun & Exposure

  • Ideal: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
  • Tolerated: Part shade — plants will be larger and less compact, with somewhat reduced flowering
  • Thrives in hot, dry conditions

Watering

One of the most drought-tolerant perennials in the garden.

  • Water regularly during the first season to establish
  • Established plants are very drought tolerant; water only during extended dry spells
  • Do not overwater — well-draining soil is important

Soil & Planting

  • Tolerates poor to average, well-draining soil
  • Does not require rich soil — lean soil produces more compact, floriferous plants
  • Neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5–7.5)
  • Plant in spring; space 18–24 inches apart

Fertilizing

Minimal fertilization needed.

  • A light application of balanced fertilizer in early spring is sufficient
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers

Pruning & Deadheading

The key to repeat blooming is shearing after the first flush.

  • After the first major bloom (late spring/early summer), shear the entire plant back by one-half to two-thirds
  • Within 3–4 weeks, fresh growth and a new flush of blooms will emerge
  • Continue deadheading or shearing through the season for near-continuous bloom
  • Cut to a few inches above ground in late fall or early spring

Winter Care

Hardy in zones 3–8. Extremely cold-hardy. Reliable and tough in northern winters.

Common Issues

Problem

Flopping or sprawling

Cause

Normal mounding habit; shear back to tighten

Problem

Reduced second bloom

Cause

Needs shearing after first flush

Problem

Root rot

Cause

Overly wet or clay soil

Tips

  • One of the best plants for long-season bee forage
  • Deer and rabbit resistant — a huge advantage in many gardens
  • Fragrant foliage when brushed or touched
  • Excellent edging plant, draping over walls or path edges
  • Beautiful paired with roses, where it mirrors the classic English garden combination