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Siberian Catmint

Nepeta sibirica

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Siberian Catmint (Nepeta sibirica) at Roger's Gardens

Siberian Catmint flowers

Siberian Catmint flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  4 feet

Spread:  24 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Ornamental Features

Siberian Catmint has masses of beautiful spikes of lightly-scented royal blue flowers with lavender overtones rising above the foliage from late spring to early fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its small fragrant pointy leaves remain grayish green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Siberian Catmint is a dense herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Self-Seeding

Siberian Catmint is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Siberian Catmint will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Siberian Catmint is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Groundcover  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features