Catmint is the garden plant equivalent of that friend who always looks good no matter what.
It's also remarkably hard to kill once established, forgiving of neglect and impressively resilient. But it's not just tough and pretty; it's useful, too.
Catmint flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinating insects, while the aromatic foliage can also prove irresistible to cats. So, while you're enjoying those soft waves of blue and grey-green foliage, you’re also supporting your local ecosystem. The plant can flower in successive flushes and often bounces back well after firm pruning.
Nikki Bruner, Marketing Specialist at Perfect Plants Nursery, explains the plant’s appeal. “We grow ‘Walker’s Low’ and ‘Whispurr Blue’ here, and they’re genuinely special plants. That sweep of blue is unmistakable, even from across the garden.”
Does catmint flower again after cutting back?
Most catmint varieties can produce a second flush of blooms after pruning, although the timing and strength of the display will depend on the variety, weather and growing conditions.
Deadheading can help prolong flowering, but removing more of the faded growth often encourages a stronger, more even flush of fresh stems.
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"Deadheading will work, but the actual pruning of the plant is what brings more buds efficiently," Nikki says.
When should you cut catmint back?
Timing matters just as much as technique. For the best chance of a second flush, cut catmint back as the first main display begins to fade, rather than waiting until the plant has set seed or collapsed outwards.
"You want to do this pruning as soon as you notice the flowers fading," Nikki says.
That point won’t fall at exactly the same time in every garden, so it’s better to judge the plant in front of you than follow a fixed date.
"Timing varies with the weather and location, so watch the plant rather than relying on a fixed month," says Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf.
How to cut catmint back for a second flush
How much you remove will depend on the size and condition of the plant. For a neat, controlled trim, Angelika recommends cutting away roughly one-third of the growth after the first display.
"Lightly cut catmint back once the first flush of flowers has faded," she says. "Remove around one-third of the plant to encourage fresh growth and a second display, while leaving enough foliage for it to recover quickly."
More vigorous plants may benefit from a firmer reset, particularly if they’ve begun to sprawl, look untidy or set seed.
“The best way to encourage a second flush of blooms is to cut catmint back heavily after the first round of flowers fade," Nikki says.
In practice, the plant's condition should guide you. Remove around one-third from smaller or less vigorous specimens, but cut stronger, sprawling plants back more firmly to restore their shape and encourage even regrowth.
Whichever approach you take, don’t cut catmint right down to the ground during summer. Angelika says that a harder annual cutback is best left until early spring, when fresh shoots begin to emerge.
What to do after pruning catmint
Once you’ve finished pruning, water the plant if the soil is dry to help it recover and produce fresh growth. "Water deeply and don't fertilise," Nikki says.
This is particularly important during warm or dry weather, when freshly cut plants may struggle if the soil dries out too quickly. A layer of mulch can also help retain moisture, but keep it clear of the crown to avoid trapping damp around the stems.
"A layer of mulch can help the soil retain moisture, particularly during dry weather," Angelika says.
Is deadheading catmint enough?
Deadheading still has its place, particularly when only a handful of flower spikes have faded. It can help extend the first display, but it’s less likely to produce the same strong, even regrowth as trimming the whole plant.
"Deadheading remaining flower spikes can prolong the display, but it is not a substitute for cutting the whole plant back after the first main flush," Angelika says. "A light overall trim usually encourages stronger, more even regrowth."
When should catmint be cut back to the ground?
A summer trim and a full annual cutback aren't the same thing. After flowering, leave enough foliage in place for the plant to continue growing and hold off on cutting it back to the base.
Instead, wait until early spring, when new shoots begin to appear. At that point, remove the previous year’s dead growth, leaving around one to two inches above the crown and taking care not to damage the fresh shoots.
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