Kit Cat Catmint

Kit Cat Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii 'Kit Cat')

Kit Cat Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii 'Kit Cat') is a compact, sun-loving perennial grown for its aromatic gray-green foliage and its tidy, upright spikes of lavender-blue flowers that bring reliable color to smaller spaces. It forms a neat clump that stays more vertical and controlled than many catmints, making it easy to place at the front of borders, along paths, and in tighter foundation beds without a sprawly look. Bloom begins in late spring and can continue through summer, especially when spent flowers are trimmed back after the first flush. With its clean habit and steady bloom, Kit Cat Catmint makes an excellent focal point when you want a compact blue accent that looks intentional and stays tidy.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the upright, clump-forming habit, which keeps the plant looking clean and structured while still delivering the soft color catmint is known for. Leaves are lightly fuzzy, aromatic, and gray-green, adding calm texture and a silvery tone that pairs well with both bold and pastel palettes. Flower spikes are held above the foliage and are highly attractive to pollinators, keeping beds active through the bloom window. Kit Cat performs best in well-drained soil and typically looks its best when sheared lightly after flowering to refresh foliage and encourage more bloom.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun is best; tolerates light shade but flowering is usually stronger with more sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; performs best in average to lean soils and does not like wet feet.
• Water: Moderate; water regularly during establishment, then water during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8.
• Habit: Compact, upright to mounding perennial with dense flower spikes.
• Mature Size: About 12 to 16 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use as a compact blue accent where you want steady bloom without a sprawling plant.
• Border Edging: Creates a clean, repeatable edge along walks, patios, and perennial borders.
• Small Gardens: Fits neatly into tighter spaces while still delivering strong pollinator activity.
• Pollinator Plantings: Supports bees and beneficial insects during its flowering season.
• Companion Planting: Pairs well with roses, salvias, echinacea, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses for a balanced, sunny border.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly watered during the first growing season; after that, water only during prolonged drought.
• Shearing: Trim back after the first heavy bloom to encourage fresh growth and repeat flowering.
• Soil Management: Avoid rich, constantly wet soils, which can reduce flowering and cause decline.
• Fertilizing: Usually not needed; a light spring feeding is enough in poor soils.
• Spacing: Provide airflow to help foliage stay clean in humid weather.
• Dividing: Divide every few years if plants become woody or less vigorous.

Why Choose Kit Cat Catmint?

• Compact Size: Stays small and controlled for edging, small beds, and front-of-border use.
• Upright Flower Spikes: Lavender-blue blooms are held neatly above the foliage for a clean look.
• Aromatic Foliage: Soft, gray-green leaves add fragrance and refined texture.
• Pollinator Support: Flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects through the season.
• Strong Focal Point Value: Delivers tidy structure and dependable blue color in a compact package.

If you want a compact catmint that stays neat and delivers lavender-blue blooms with minimal upkeep, Kit Cat Catmint adds focal point color and reliable structure to sunny, well-drained borders.