How to prune garden catmint

Early summer after the first flower flush; light tidy in late winter or early spring. After first bloom, shear the entire plant back by half to two-thirds using garden shears. In late winter, cut dead stems back to 3–5 cm above fresh basal growth. Do not cut back in autumn.

Twice a year — once after first flowering, once in late winter. Garden catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) rewards hard pruning after its first flush of flowers with a full second wave of blooms. Cut the whole plant back by about half to two-thirds once the initial lavender-blue display fades in early summer. A light spring tidy removes dead stems without disturbing overwintering insects. Avoid autumn pruning, which can expose the crown to frost damage.

After first bloom, shear the entire plant back by half to two-thirds using garden shears. In late winter, cut dead stems back to 3–5 cm above fresh basal growth. Do not cut back in autumn.