Growing zones
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Turn Your Landscape into a Purple Paradise with McKay Nursery
At McKay Nursery, we offer a vibrant selection of plants, including the show-stealing Nepeta Cat’s Pajamas. Our nursery is in the picturesque area of Waterloo, Wisconsin, where we cultivate hardy and vibrant plants for your landscape design. Every top-quality plant has been cared for by nursery experts. Order your own Nepeta Cat’s Pajamas today!
For more details, contact us at [email protected] or call 920-478-2121.
- Sun
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
12-14" x 18-20" 
Bloom Season:
Spring, Summer
- Attracts Bees
- Deer Resistant
- Drought Tolerant
- Salt Tolerant
- Long Blooming
- Award Winning
- Stone Mulch
- Attracts Butterflies
- Fragrant Flowers
- Fragrant Leaves
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting & Care for Cat's Pajamas Catmint (Nepeta faassenii 'Cat's Pajamas')
Preparation
- It’s called Cat’s Pajamas catmint because if the stems are broken in half, they release a scent that attracts cats.
- Prefers neutral to alkaline soil.
- Grow in full sun and normal soil conditions for best results.
- Cut plants down halfway after the first bloom to encourage new flowers.
- Shear flower spikes to encourage second flowering.
Opening Plant Material
- Containers: Completely saturate all container plants by putting them in a larger water container until bubbling stops. Remove the plant, then dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container, ensuring it’s wider on the sides by an additional 6” or more.
Planting Containers
- Catmint can be planted from March to June or in September and October.
- Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or wider on the sides.
- Slide the plant from the pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
- With a shovel or knife, trim the bottom 2" off the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
- Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
- Place the root ball in the hole.
- Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
- Notice where the base of the trunk flares out from the tree. This is called the root flare. This root flare should show when the tree is planted. Add soil under the ball so the root flare is exposed if necessary.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
- Check out our Planting & Handling Guide for additional planting information and illustrations.
Pruning - After Planting
- Containers: Although it’s not essential after planting, light pruning can help shape a Nepeta Cat’s Pajamas plant. Doing so removes any broken branches from shipping or thins out a heavily branched plant to assist in the transplanting process and the appearance of your new planting.
Pruning - Throughout the Season
- Prune catmint during or after flowering to encourage new growth and possibly a second round of flowers.
- When it flowers in the early spring and early summer, individually prune spent flowers to the ground or cut the entire plant back by one-half to two-thirds after it has finished flowering.
- Discard the trimmings.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the six-week establishment period, water once per week unless rain occurs.
- Remember to check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil around 3”.
Watering - Throughout the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it’s dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
- Same as after planting, stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best growing zone for catmint Nepeta?
How do you propagate Cat’s Pajamas catmint?
In the spring, find a section of the catmint with undeveloped shoots and a sound root system. Next, slice it vertically with a spade or divide it into smaller sections.
Carefully dig up the divided sections and backfill the hole. Replant the cut sections in a new location and water well until the division shows new growth. This should take roughly a month.
Does Cat’s Pajamas’ catmint require overwintering?
Where should I plant Cat’s Pajamas catmint?
What companion plants work best with Cat’s Pajama’s catmint?
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.