Kitten Around Catmint

Kitten Around Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii 'Kitten Around')

Kitten Around Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii 'Kitten Around') is a compact, sun-loving perennial grown for its aromatic gray-green foliage and its long season of lavender-blue flowers that bring dependable color to smaller garden spaces. It forms a neat, mounding clump that stays controlled and tidy, making it easy to use at the front of borders, along paths, and in foundation beds where you want a clean edge without a plant that flops. Bloom begins in late spring and can continue through summer, especially when the plant is trimmed back after the first flush. With its compact habit and steady flowering, Kitten Around Catmint makes an excellent focal point when you want a small, repeatable ribbon of blue that looks intentional all season.

Distinctive Features

The standout feature is the combination of compact size and strong bloom, delivering the classic catmint look in a plant that fits tighter layouts. Leaves are lightly fuzzy, aromatic, and gray-green, adding a calm, silvery tone that pairs well with nearly any palette. Flower spikes are lavender-blue and highly attractive to pollinators, keeping beds active through the bloom window. Like many catmints, it performs best in well-drained soil and typically looks its best when sheared after flowering to refresh foliage and encourage repeat 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, mounding perennial with airy flower spikes.
• Mature Size: About 10 to 12 inches tall and 14 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 long 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 Kitten Around Catmint?

• Dwarf Size: Stays very compact for edging, small beds, and front-of-border use.
• Long Bloom Season: Lavender-blue flowers provide weeks of color with repeat bloom potential after shearing.
• 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 small, easy-to-use plant.

If you want a compact catmint that stays neat and delivers a long season of lavender-blue blooms, Kitten Around Catmint adds focal point color, soft texture, and reliable performance in sunny, well-drained borders.