What's eating my six hills giant catmint?

Six Hills Giant is highly pest-resistant thanks to its aromatic foliage. Cats are the most common source of damage — rolling and crushing the large clumps. Occasional aphid or spider mite colonies appear on new growth in dry spells. The plant bounces back strongly after a midsummer cutback that also removes pest-damaged material.

Heavy rolling and pawing crushes stems and exposes bare soil in the crown; attractive scent draws repeated visits Surround with a low wire hoop or insert bamboo canes through the clump; the plant recovers fully after being left alone

Clusters on soft shoot tips; curled leaves and sticky honeydew residue Hose off with water; encourage beneficial insects; cut back hard after first flower flush to remove infested growth and trigger fresh stems

Fine webbing and stippled, pale leaves on undersides; more common in hot dry summers Improve humidity by watering nearby soil; spray with neem oil; midsummer cutback removes heavily affected growth