If you’re a big fan of how catmint (Nepeta spp.) attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to your garden, you’re gonna love the idea of growing some companion plants nearby. That way, you can really boost your pollinator-friendly game. Since catmint is one of those low-maintenance herbs, you’ll want to pick other herbs that like the same type of sunlight and soil conditions. Top choices include yarrow, Russian sage, and hummingbird mint. Gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8 can grow catmint as a pollinator-friendly flowering perennial for full sun in well-drained soils. To choose the best companion plants, you’ll need to pick herbs that thrive in the same zones. And you don’t just want matching growing conditions – you also want something that looks good with catmint’s soft, gray-green leaves and purple, blue, or white flower spikes. There are lots of options, so narrow it down to plants that attract beneficial insects and work well as partners.
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Grow catmint with companion plants for more beneficial bugs
Molly Shannon/Shutterstock Yarrow (Achillea spp.) is one of the top wildlife-friendly options you can plant next to your catmint. Butterflies love it, plus you’ll be supporting a native herb since their growing needs are the same. This ferny-leaved plant with white flowers comes back every year in zones 3 to 9. But there are other great choices too.
Russian sage (Salvia yangii) is another awesome companion plant for catmint, because bees adore them both. Like catmint, Russian sage prefers full sun and well-draining soil, and it’s a perennial in zones 5 to 9. If you’re in zones 3 or 4, you’ll want to skip this one. Most catmint varieties reach around 1 to 2 feet tall – like the popular ‘Walker’s Low’ type. Taller Russian sage, up to 4 feet, should be planted to the north of the catmint so the smaller herb still gets plenty of sunlight.
Hummingbird mint (Agastache spp.) is yet another great partner for catmint. It’s perfect for attracting pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. There are lots of different Agastache species and cultivars, with some up to 4 feet tall and smaller types around 1½ to 2 feet high. Lots of room to get creative with your landscaping design! Most hummingbird mints thrive in the same conditions as catmint, but not all varieties can handle the same hardiness zones, so double-check before planting.
