Dropmore Catmint

Dropmore Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii 'Dropmore') is a bushy, aromatic perennial with soft grey-green leaves and spires of purple-blue flowers from mid spring to early autumn. It grows 40cm to 50cm tall and 50cm to 60cm wide, which makes it one of the easiest ways to fill the front of a border with long-lasting colour. Bees and butterflies work the flowers all season.

Why you'll love it

• Months of purple-blue flowers. The spires open from mid spring and keep coming to early autumn, in a strong colour closer to lavender than most blues.
• A pollinator magnet. The nectar-rich spires keep bees and butterflies visiting from spring to autumn.
• Very cold hardy. Frost is no concern. It is tough enough for the coldest gardens.
• Aromatic foliage. Soft, mint-like grey-green leaves give the plant a fresh scent and a calm backdrop for the flowers.
• Low effort. Clip it over after the first flush, feed it, and it repeats.

Where it works best

Cottage gardens and mixed borders. Plant 50cm apart in drifts or in a single row for a continuous soft edge along a path or bed.

Kitchen gardens and pollinator beds. Tuck it between herbs and vegetables to bring bees in close. It pairs well with roses and lavender.

Front gardens and tight spaces. The low, mounded habit stays below windows and fences, and fills the gap in front of taller shrubs.

Growing Dropmore Catmint in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to dappled shade, ideally with some shade for part of the day in hot gardens. It thrives in cool temperate, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In humid subtropical gardens it can be less reliable, so give it airflow and the sunniest, driest position.

Soil. Light, well-drained soil. It also grows in alkaline soil.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks while it establishes. Established plants cope with dry spells. Feed with a slow release fertiliser.

Pruning. Clip over after the first flowering to promote a second flush. When the flowers finish in autumn, give the whole plant an all-over haircut.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Dropmore Catmint as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. A tube is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and fills out within a season, so tube stock suits a long border. The potted packs flower sooner and make a faster edge. Plants travel upright and settle quickly in warm weather.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• How to create a cottage garden in Australia
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Lavender to plant alongside

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

Yes. Catmint is not toxic to cats or dogs. Many cats are drawn to it and will roll in it, which can flatten young plants, so give new plantings a few weeks to bush up.

How do I get a second flush of flowers?

Clip the plant over once the first flowering finishes. Fresh growth follows, and a second flush of purple-blue spires opens.

Does it suit a hot, humid climate?

It is happiest in cool to warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In humid subtropical districts, plant it in full sun with good drainage and airflow, and expect a shorter life.