Catmint, also known as Nepeta, is a beautiful and versatile plant that is commonly used in gardens and landscapes. One question that often arises about catmint is whether it is evergreen or not. The answer to this question depends on the specific variety of catmint and the climate in which it is grown.
In general, catmint is considered to be a deciduous perennial, meaning that its foliage will die back in the fall and regrow in the spring. This is true for most varieties of catmint, including the popular ‘Walker’s Low’ and ‘Six Hills Giant’ cultivars.
During the winter months, when the foliage dies back, catmint plants may appear dormant or even dead. However, this is a normal part of their growth cycle, and they will regrow from the base in the spring. Therefore, it is important not to mistake the lack of foliage during the winter for the plant being dead or unhealthy.
To maintain the health and appearance of catmint, it is recommended to prune the plants in late fall or early spring, before new growth begins. This can be done by cutting the plants back to within 4-6 inches of the ground. Pruning catmint helps promote new growth and keeps the plants compact and tidy.
It is worth noting that in warmer hardiness zones, such as zone 8 and above, catmint may remain semi-evergreen. This means that some foliage may persist throughout the winter, although it may not be as lush or abundant as in the warmer months. In these regions, pruning can still be done in late fall or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and encourage new growth.
Personal Experience: In my own garden, I have grown several varieties of catmint, including ‘Walker’s Low’ and ‘Junior Walker’. I live in a zone 6a climate, where winters can be quite cold. Each year, I have observed that the foliage of my catmint plants dies back in the fall, leaving only bare stems. However, come spring, the plants always sprout new growth from the base and quickly fill out, providing a beautiful display of flowers throughout the summer.
Catmint is generally considered to be a deciduous perennial, with its foliage dying back in the fall and regrowing in the spring. However, in warmer hardiness zones, it may remain semi-evergreen. Regardless of its evergreen status, catmint is a wonderful plant to include in gardens and landscapes, adding beauty, fragrance, and attracting pollinators.
