21 Plants That Thrive Next to Catmint

This post may contain affiliate links.

Share this post or pin it for later!

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, hardy perennial, catmint (Nepeta) is an excellent choice. Often confused with catnip because of their similarities, catmint distinguishes itself with rich purple blooms and is valued more for its decorative appeal rather than its herbal use. As part of the mint family, it also features the characteristic aromatic leaves that make these plants so beloved.

Catmint is a great team player in the garden. Cats adore it, and many plants thrive next to it. By carefully choosing plants that match its growing conditions and aesthetic, you can design a seamless and thriving garden environment.

When selecting companion plants for catmint, consider factors like plant height, growth patterns, and space needs. Here are 21 companion plants that are perfect partners for catmint.

Roses

Roses are one of the most popular choices for fresh cut flowers and make a delightful addition to any garden. They are prized for their plentiful and fragrant blooms and pair exceptionally well with catmints.

The cool-toned foliage and flowers of catmint provide a pleasing contrast to the vibrant hues of the roses. Both plants flourish in full sun and require well-drained soil.

17 Pretty Flowers That Resemble Roses for Your Garden

Bee Balm

Bee balm is a win-win plant; it attracts butterflies, bees, and even hummingbirds and pairs well with catmint. Bee balm grows in almost any soil condition but thrives in evenly moist ones. It’s a part of the mint family, so it spreads easily and will give you lots of blooms from mid to late summer. Zones 4-8

Chives

Chives are a delicious herb with a mild onion-like smell that repels aphids and mites. Planting small clumps of chives among catmint is a good way to keep pests at bay with their pungent aromas. The large pom-pom flowers of chive plants will also attract pollinating bees.

Chives can be harvested by snipping the green stems with scissors and chopping them into salads, soups, and dips.

Thyme

Thyme, a low-growing perennial herb, is a must-have in every vegetable garden. It thrives in similar growing conditions as catmint. The tiny, delicate flowers of thyme are irresistible to insects that boost pollination and keep pests under control. Thyme also contains compounds that can repel ants, aphids, and wireworms.

Marigolds

Incorporating marigolds is a good way to add visual interest and texture diversity. Their vibrant red, orange, and yellow flowers attract beneficial insects to the garden, from pollinating bees to pest-destroying wasps and butterflies.

Why Marigolds Deserve a Spot in Your Garden Year After Year

Peony

Peonies, with their large, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow, are a favorite for fresh cut arrangements. Their glossy leaves and early summer blooming make them a standout choice for indoor displays.

These 21 Pretty Pink Plants Are Everything Your Garden Has Been Missing

Speedwell

Speedwell displays spikes of vivid blue flowers and is appreciated for its durability and long blooming period. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and needs well-drained soil. Speedwell is easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering once established, and adds vertical interest to gardens. Zones 3-8.

Sage

Sage is a low-maintenance perennial herb that deters cabbage moths, a troublesome insect that targets several vegetable crops. Its flowers also attract many beneficial insects that boost pollination and keep aphids under control.

Sage thrives alongside catmint, which shares similar environmental preferences and growth habits. Sage can be easily rooted from cuttings, so add this flavorsome herb to all your vegetable beds to maximize the benefits.

How to Start a Herb Garden from Scratch

Daylily (Hemerocallis)

Daylilies are a favorite in many gardens. They come in a spectrum of yellow shades, from light to deep golden. These easy-to-care-for plants do well in full sun and partial shade.

Although each flower blooms for only one day, the abundance of buds ensures a long blooming season that spans several weeks. As perennials, Daylilies return yearly, growing more robust and producing more flowers as they age.

Lavender

Lavender’s striking purple color and soothing aroma attract butterflies and make it a perfect companion for catmint. These two also share similar environmental preferences and growth habits. Lavender can be harvested and dried for culinary creations, home decor, and aromatherapy.

16 Most Fragrant Flowers That Add Sweet Scents to the Garden

Yarrow (Achillea)

Yarrow produces clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in colors including yellow, white, pink, and red. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun. Yarrow attracts beneficial insects and serves as an excellent ground cover.

19 Sun Loving Perennials Perfect for Sun-Kissed Gardens

Sweet Alyssum

Sweet alyssum might be the answer if you often have problems with aphids in the vegetable plot. This low-growing annual flower is highly effective at attracting parasitoid wasps, and it is one of the best insects for pest control. Sweet alyssum self-seeds easily without becoming too invasive.

25 Pretty White Flowers To Plant for Lovely, Long-Lasting Blooms

Lambs Ear

Lamb’s ear is known for its fuzzy leaves with a gray-green, silver, frost-like appearance. This low-growing ground cover forms a dense carpet that effectively blocks sunlight, preventing weeds from growing.

Salvia

Salvia plants are recognized for their spikes of purple flowers and are drought-tolerant, thriving in full sun. While some salvia varieties are perennials that return year after year in most zones, others may also be grown as annuals or biennials.

Dahlia

Dahlias are loved for their vibrant, showy blooms. They come in a wide array of colors and sizes and are a favorite among pollinators. Whether used in flower beds, borders, or containers, dahlias add a burst of color and charm to any outdoor space.

Blooming from mid-summer until the first frost, these perennials thrive in well-drained soil and full sun. Catmint will help them bloom longer, making them excellent companion plants. They are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 8-11.

Sneezeweed

Its bright, daisy-like flowers bloom in late summer and fall, adding vibrant colors to the sunny garden. The flowers are in shades of yellow, red, and bronze, making them ideal for cutting. Despite its name, it does not cause sneezing or allergies. Zone 3-10

Oregano

Oregano is a perennial herb much loved by gardeners for its pest-repellent abilities. It has similar growing conditions as catmint, and like most herbs, a few oregano plants dotted around your vegetable plot can reap huge rewards.

Borage

Borage is a low-maintenance annual plant that will be buzzing with insects feeding on its delicate purple flowers. This plant makes a great companion to catmint because it is drought tolerant and doesn’t need much water to service.

Black Eyed Susan

With their striking yellow flowers, Black-Eyed Susans are excellent at attracting butterflies. These hardy, sun-loving plants can thrive in various conditions, making them a versatile choice for any butterfly garden. They are relatively pest-free, blooming in midsummer until hard frost. Use this beautiful plant as a border plant, ground cover for sunny spots, or plant it in large groups in the flower or vegetable garden. Zones 3-9

Agastache

Agastache is a favorite among bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It features tall spikes of fragrant flowers in purple, pink, and orange shades, perfect for pairing with catmint. Agastache requires full sun and well-drained soil. This plant is fairly pest-free and will bloom through summer. Zones 4-10

17 Companion Plants to Grow Next to Sage for Healthier, Larger Crops

Choosing the right plants to grow beside sage can make all the difference. Here are the best companion plants for sage.

17 Companion Plants to Grow Next to Sage for Healthier, Larger Crops

11 Reasons Banana Peels Are the Secret Ingredient Your Garden Needs

Banana peels are not just kitchen scraps but an excellent way to enrich your garden. Here are 11 reasons banana peels can be your garden’s secret ingredient.

11 Reasons Banana Peels Are the Secret Ingredient Your Garden

How to Start a Herb Garden from Scratch

Growing something as simple as our own herbs is a huge step towards sustainability. You can begin the process in a small space in the kitchen or backyard with some of your favorite herbs. Here are some simple but practical steps to get you started on your own herb garden.

How to Start a Herb Garden from Scratch

Share this post or pin it for later!