Growli
Get the app

Pruning guide

How to prune garden catmint

Best time
After the first main flush of flowers (typically late June in the UK, early summer in the US); again lightly in autumn
How often
Once or twice annually — after each flowering flush; light tidy in autumn
Technique
After flowering, shear the entire plant back by half to two-thirds using hedge shears or scissors. This triggers a second flush of blooms within 4–6 weeks. In autumn, cut back to just above the crown.

More garden catmint care

Pruning garden catmint — FAQ

When should I prune garden catmint?

After the first main flush of flowers (typically late June in the UK, early summer in the US); again lightly in autumn. After flowering, shear the entire plant back by half to two-thirds using hedge shears or scissors. This triggers a second flush of blooms within 4–6 weeks. In autumn, cut back to just above the crown.

How often does garden catmint need pruning?

Once or twice annually — after each flowering flush; light tidy in autumn. Catmint is well worth cutting back hard after its first flush of flowers in early summer — shear the whole plant by about half or two-thirds and it will rebloom within weeks. A tidy haircut in late autumn removes spent stems. This 'Chelsea chop' technique is standard practice for this perennial and greatly extends flowering.

How do you prune garden catmint?

After flowering, shear the entire plant back by half to two-thirds using hedge shears or scissors. This triggers a second flush of blooms within 4–6 weeks. In autumn, cut back to just above the crown.