Nepeta 'Candy Cat' is a compact and floriferous catmint that produces clouds of lavender blue flowers from late spring through summer. Its aromatic gray green foliage and tidy mounding form make it an ideal edging plant or front border perennial. It’s especially effective in cottage gardens and pollinator beds, drawing attention with both fragrance and movement.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well drained, average to poor soils
Watering Needs: Low once established
Deer Resistance: Highly deer and rabbit resistant due to strong aromatic oils
Native Status
Nepeta 'Candy Cat' is a cultivated selection of Nepeta species, originally native to Europe and Asia. While not native to North America, it is highly adaptable and beneficial in ecological plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Highly attractive to bumblebees, honeybees, and solitary bees throughout its extended blooming period.
Butterflies
- Visited by Swallowtails and Painted Ladies that seek nectar from its long blooming spikes.
Beneficial Insects
- Encourages the presence of hoverflies, predatory beetles, and lacewings that assist in controlling garden pests.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow for air circulation and a balanced spread in mixed borders.
Landscape Placement:
- Perfect for sunny borders, herb gardens, and pathways where its scent and pollinator activity can be fully enjoyed. Also excellent in rock gardens or Mediterranean themed designs.
Companion Plants
- Stachys byzantina (Lambs Ear) - Fuzzy silver foliage adds tactile interest and mirrors the cool toned palette of Nepeta.
- Achillea millefolium 'Moonshine' - Soft yellow umbels complement the lavender blooms and thrive in similar conditions.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' - Low bright yellow flowers add strong color contrast and fill space between plants.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Bold upright blooms contrast beautifully with the soft mounding habit of Nepeta.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Spikes of rich violet blue provide a layered vertical effect in pollinator gardens.